The Polokwane Magistrates’ Court has denied bail to a former police officer, Rachel Raesetsa Shokane-Kutumela, and her two co-accused for insurance related murders.
Shokane-Kutumela who was stationed at the Senwabarwana Police Station, her elder sister, Annah Shokane, a nurse at Cintocare Private Hospital in Menlyn, and her 23-year-old daughter, Madjadji Shokane, a caregiver at an old age home in Pretoria North appeared in court on Wednesday, 3 September for their bail hearing.
INSURANCE MURDER ACCUSED COP DENIED BAIL
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the trio face multiple charges, including nine counts of murder, twelve counts of fraud, money laundering, receiving proceeds of unlawful activities, and defeating the ends of justice.
The money laundering charges specifically apply to Rachel Kutumela and her daughter, Madjadji. They were all arrested in October 2024.
NPA spokesperson in Limpopo, Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi said it is alleged that between 2013 and 2022, Rachel and Annah 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. The accused allegedly shared the proceeds with Madjadji.
Malabi-Dzhangi said the court denied bail after the State opposed the release of the three accused, citing that they are likely to commit further offences if released.
“No exceptional circumstances were presented to justify their release. The charges are serious and carry lengthy minimum sentences; releasing them would put the lives of witnesses in danger, and the State has a strong case against them. The matter has been postponed to 4 November for further investigation. The accused will remain in custody until then,” she said.
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