Eleventh suspect in the Limpopo insurance murders appears in court
The eleventh suspect in the Limpopo insurance murders appeared briefly before the Polokwane Magistrates Court on Friday.
Robert Shokane, who is the brother of the alleged mastermind behind the deadly scheme, Rachel Shokane Kutumela, was arrested after failing to hand himself over to officers as initially agreed.
Shokane has been charged along with his two sisters and twin brother, his brother-in-law, and niece, in connection with the alleged targeting of several victims for insurance payouts.
READ: Fourth accused in Limpopo insurance murder case appears in court
He faces multiple charges, including nine counts of murder, money laundering, receiving the proceeds of unlawful activities, and fraud.
His appearance follows the arrest of six others earlier this week.
The National Prosecuting Authority's Mashudu Malabi says Shokane will remain in custody until his next court appearance.
“The eleventh accused was arrested on 12 March 2026 and will remain in custody until 25 March 2026, when the matter returns to court for profiling of the accused.”
Kutumela, a police officer stationed at the Senwabarana police station, is accused of orchestrating the murders of vulnerable persons after allegedly registering policies with various insurance companies.
It’s alleged that the murders took place over a decade.
“It is alleged that between 2013 and 2024, Rachel Kutumela, Annah Shokane, Madjadji Shokane, David Kutumela, Damaris Selepe, and Mojeri Mataba fraudulently took out various life and funeral insurance policies on several victims and later claimed payouts totalling approximately R10 million,” Malabi explained.
She was arrested in 2024 along with her sister Annah Shokane, and her daughter Madjadji Shokane.
Their matter goes on trial in the Polokwane High Court, where proceedings are scheduled to run from 05 to 30 October 2026.
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