Alleged insurance killer Agnes Setshwantsho denied bail
Alleged insurance killer Agnes Setshwantsho will remain behind bars after her bid to be released on bail was denied on Friday.
Setshwantsho returned to the Molopo Magistrates Court in Mahikeng on Friday, where she faces charges of murder, two counts of fraud and one of defeating the ends of justice.
The case was subsequently postponed to March for further investigation.
The 49-year-old was arrested in November last year after she was linked to the death of her niece Bonolo Modiseemang, and an alleged fraudulent claim of nearly R3 million from an insurance company.
It's alleged Setshwantsho insured more than 40 members of her extended family to cash in in the event of their deaths.
READ: ‘Why kill Bonolo?’ – alleged victim’s husband has questions for Setshwantsho
In its verdict, the court found Setshwantsho failed to provide exceptional circumstances permitting her release on bail.
In her bail affidavit, the accused argued she didn't have access to her diabetes medication and that consultations with her lawyer had been restricted.
Despite disclosing that she had relatives in Botswana and agreeing to hand over her passport, the court also found that the accused is a flight risk as she has the means to flee and access to properties in the Northern Cape, North West, and Western Cape.
The state opposed Setshwantsho's bail application.
The North West National Prosecuting Authority's Henry Mamothame welcomed the court's decision.
"We're grateful that the court agreed with us that she failed to provide any exceptional circumstances for bail to be granted and shared the same sentiment that she may evade court and also has knowledge of who the state witnesses are - which may lead to interference."
Setshwantsho also has a previous assault case from over two decades ago and another pending matter in Setlagole.
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