Accused’s death delays R21m insurance murder trial in Polokwane
A key development emerged in the Limpopo High Court in a case involving allegations that insurance policies were taken out on victims before claims were made after their deaths.
William Shokane, one of the accused in the R21 million Limpopo insurance murder case, has died at the age of 41. Proceedings will continue against the remaining accused in the Limpopo Division of the High Court of South Africa.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed Shokane’s death as the matter involving former police officer Rachel Shokane Kutumela, her family and other accused came before the court yesterday (October 5), reports the Polokwane Review.
NPA Limpopo spokesperson Mashudu Malabi said Shokane’s death was formally noted as the case continued against the remaining accused.
It was mentioned in court that Shokane had suffered from an airborne disease. It had previously been stated that he had contracted tuberculosis and was later confined to a wheelchair while in custody.
111 charges
The remaining accused face 111 charges, including murder, fraud, money laundering, receiving proceeds of unlawful activities and defeating the ends of justice.
The state alleges that between 2013 and 2024, the group fraudulently took out life, funeral and accidental insurance policies on vulnerable people and later claimed payouts totalling about R21m, including repudiated claims.
The NPA alleges the family syndicate targeted vulnerable people from disadvantaged backgrounds, including a mentally disabled relative.
The policies were allegedly taken out through institutions including Absa, Standard Bank, Capitec, Hollard, Avbob, Assupol and Old Mutual. The state alleges the proceeds were shared among the accused.
Shokane faced 9 charges
Shokane was the brother of alleged mastermind Rachel Kutumela, a former police sergeant based at Senwabarwana Police Station.
He was arrested on March 10 alongside his brother Thomas Shokane, his brother-in-law and school principal Mmakoena David Kutumela, and three others.
At the time of his arrest, Shokane faced nine charges, including murder, fraud, money laundering and receiving proceeds of unlawful activities.
He was denied bail earlier this year after the state alleged that he had attempted to kidnap a state witness.
The case has been postponed to October 29 to secure legal aid representation for the remaining accused.
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Read original story on www.citizen.co.za
