Police execute arrests in R10mn Limpopo insurance murder scheme
Police have arrested three suspects early on Tuesday morning as part of a total of seven warrants of arrest issued in Limpopo, allegedly linked to an investigation into a suspected R10 million insurance murder-for-payout scheme.
The case relates to former South African Police Service sergeant Rachel Kutumela, who was arrested in October 2024 while on duty and has since been dismissed from the SAPS.
According to national police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe, investigators believe several suspects took out life and funeral insurance policies on multiple individuals who were later murdered to claim insurance payouts.
Mathe said police operations were underway to arrest additional suspects connected to the alleged scheme.
"Police are executing seven warrants of arrest in relation to a ten-million-rand insurance murder-for-payout scheme in Limpopo. The arrests are linked to former police sergeant Rachel Kutumela.
She confirmed to Jacaranda FM Newswatch that family members were already arrested by sunrise.
"Three arrests have been made this morning. These include two brothers and a sangoma. More arrests are imminent."
Police allege that the suspects had taken out life and funeral insurance policies on ten people who were later killed as part of the scheme.
Kutumela is currently in custody along with three co-accused, including her sister, daughter and elder brother in connection with the case.
The trial is expected to start in October 2026.
*This is a developing story
