MATTER OF FOURTH SUSPECT IN INSURANCE-RELATED KILLINGS POSTPONED
Polokwane, Limpopo – A 53-year-old man, Leshweng Johannes Shokane, briefly appeared in the Polokwane Magistrates’ Court today 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.
Shokane was arrested on 04 November 2025 and will remain in custody until his bail hearing on 09 December 2025.
It is alleged that between 2013 and 2022, Rachel and Annah fraudulently took out various life and funeral insurance policies for several victims, later claiming payouts totalling approximately R10 million. The payouts were made by several service providers, including ABSA, Standard Bank, Capitec, Hollard, Assupol, Old Mutual, One Life, and Clientele. The unlawful proceeds were allegedly shared among Madjadji, Rachel, Annah, and Johannes.
The defence applied for a postponement to allow for further consultations in preparation for the bail application and to enable the accused to undergo mental observation in terms of Section 77 of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977. Meanwhile, the trial of Rachel, Annah, and Madjadji has been transferred to the Polokwane High Court, where proceedings are scheduled to run from 05 to 30 October 2026. The accused will remain in custody until the commencement of the trial.
