Six suspects linked to R10mn insurance murder scheme face over 40 charges
Six suspects appeared in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday in connection with a series of alleged insurance-related murders linked to a multi-million rand fraud scheme in Limpopo.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the accused face 47 charges including nine counts of murder, money laundering, fraud, and receiving proceeds of unlawful activities.
The suspects, Masephe Thomas Shokane, William Shokane, Mmakoena David Kutumela , Masepe Damaris Selepe , Mojeri Benedictor Mataba and Martha Iris Ruiters appeared briefly before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court following their arrest on Tuesday.
Prosecutors say the case is linked to an investigation involving former police officer Rachel Raesetsa Shokane Kutumela, who was previously stationed at Senwabarwana Police Station.
She was arrested in October 2024 while on duty.
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NPA spokesperson Mashudu Malabi says several of the accused are relatives of Kutumela.
"The Shokane brothers are siblings of former police officer Rachel Raesetsa Shokane Kutumela and Annah Shokane, and uncles of Madjadji Flora Shokane. David Kutumela is the husband of Rachel Kutumela. The accused are from Moletjie Makgofe and Sebokeng."
The State alleges that between 2013 and 2024, members of the group fraudulently took out life and funeral insurance policies on several victims before later claiming payouts.
"It is alleged that between 2013 and 2024, the accused fraudulently took out various life and funeral insurance policies on several victims and later claimed payouts totalling approximately R10 million," Malabi said.
The payouts were allegedly made by several financial institutions and insurance companies, including ABSA, Standard Bank, Capitec, Hollard, AVBOB, Assupol, Old Mutual, Clientele, and One Life.
"The State further alleges that the unlawful proceeds were shared among several individuals, including Madjadji, Rachel, Annah, Johannes, Thomas, William, David, Damaris, Benedictor, and Iris," Malabi added.
The six accused will remain in custody until 25 March, after the matter was postponed to allow for the profiling of the accused and for two of the suspects to secure legal representation.
Meanwhile, the trial of Rachel Kutumela, Annah Shokane, and Madjadji Shokane has been transferred to the Polokwane High Court.
"The trial of Rachel Kutumela, Annah Shokane, and Madjadji Shokane has been transferred to the Polokwane High Court, where proceedings are scheduled to run from 5 to 30 October 2026. The accused in that matter remains in custody pending the commencement of the trial," Malabi said.
