FOURTH SUSPECT IN INSURANCE-RELATED KILLINGS APPEARS IN COURT
Polokwane, Limpopo – A 53-year-old man, Leshweng Johannes Shokane, has appeared in the Polokwane Magistrates’ Court in connection with a series of insurance-related murders. Shokane is the brother of former police officer Rachel Raesetsa Shokane Kutumela (43), who was stationed at the Senwabarwana Police Station, and Annah Shokane (47), as well as the uncle of Madjadji Flora Shokane (23), all from Moletjie Makgofe.
He faces multiple charges, including nine counts of murder, money laundering, receiving proceeds of unlawful activities, and defeating the ends of justice. He was arrested on 04 November 2025 and will remain in custody until his bail hearing on 18 November 2025. It is alleged that between 2013 and 2022, Rachel and Annah fraudulently took out life and funeral insurance policies for several victims, later claiming payouts totalling approximately R10 million as beneficiaries. The payouts were made by several service providers, including ABSA, Standard Bank, Capitec, Hollard, Assupol, Old Mutual, One Life, and Clientele.
The accused allegedly shared the unlawful proceeds with Madjadji and Johannes. The State has brought an application to join Johannes to the main case involving the other three accused. The trial of Rachel, Annah, and Madjadji has been transferred to the Polokwane High Court, where it is set to commence from 05 to 30 October 2026. The accused will remain in custody until then.
