Limpopo insurance fraud murders: Accused abandon bail

On the final day of their bail hearing at the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court, the three women accused in the notorious insurance killings case abandoned their bail application. This decision came despite the defence’s claims that the state’s case was weak.

The hearing saw the charges against the accused increase to include three additional counts of premeditated murder, bringing the total to nine.

The main accused, Sergeant Raesetsa Rachel Kutumela, a police officer from Senwabarwana, faced intense scrutiny over 32 charges, including financial fraud involving over R20m from life, accidental and funeral insurance policies.

Kutumela admitted benefitting financially as the sole beneficiary of these policies, sharing the proceeds with her sister, Anna Shokane, and her daughter, Modjadji Flora Shokane.

Among the new charges is the alleged murder of Strydom Reuters in 2019, from which Kutumela reportedly gained R1.5m, falsely claiming to be his spouse.

This revelation came as a shock, especially as Reuters was reportedly involved with Anna, and the deceased’s family denied knowing the sisters.

The hearing also included emotional testimony from Benedictor Mojeri Mataba, who alleged police intimidation and abuse during her questioning about the death of her ex-husband, another victim linked to Kutumela.

Mataba described a traumatic encounter with police, accusing them of threats and verbal abuse.

The accused, facing charges of money laundering, fraud and multiple counts of premeditated murder, were remanded in custody.

Their next court appearance is scheduled for February 7, as investigations continue.