Former Limpopo cop and family denied bail in shocking R10 million insurance murder case

The Polokwane Magistrate’s Court in Limpopo has denied bail to three accused, including a former police sergeant accused of insurance-related killings on Wednesday. 

Former police officer, Rachel Kutumela, 43, who was stationed at the Senwabarwana police station, her sister, Anna Shokane, 47, and daughter, Florah Shokane, 23, have been waiting for bail since December last year after they were arrested in October for allegedly killing nine people for insurance payouts amounting to R10 million. 

Kutumela faces 32 charges, including nine counts of murder, twelve counts of fraud, money laundering, receiving proceeds of unlawful activities, and defeating the ends of justice.

Her sister, Anna, faces three counts of murder, and her daughter, Florah, faces charges of murder, money laundering, and fraud. 

The court heard that Kutumela was part of a group of first responders who responded when bodies were discovered, even if it was outside of her jurisdiction. 

The State alleges that between 2013 and 2022, Rachel and Anna fraudulently took out life and funeral insurance policies for several victims, subsequently claiming R10 million as beneficiaries. The payouts were made by various service providers, including ABSA, Standard Bank, Capitec, Hollard, Assupol, Old Mutual, One Life, and Clientele. They allegedly shared the proceeds with Florah.

At the time of their arrest, police said Kutumela’s victims were known to her and were from destitute and disadvantaged backgrounds, and some were disabled or mentally challenged.

During his testimony for the State, the investigating officer, Captain Keshi Mabunda, called for the accused to be denied bail, stating she would interfere with witnesses, as he revealed this had already been done while she was being detained. 

Delivering his judgment, the magistrate said the trio had not proven any exceptional evidence that motivated their release. 

“The State has a strong case against the applicants. This case has the same modus operandi as that of the State versus Rosemary Ndlovu,” he said. 

The court further found that the trio are likely to commit further offences should they be released on bail. 

The matter has been postponed until November 4, 2025, for further investigation. 

robin.francke@iol.co.za

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