Murder accused Sergeant Rachel Kutumela’s daughter and sister joined her in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

Modjadji Florah Shokane (27) and Raesetja Annah Shokane (47) were arrested on Thursday in Makgofe village, Moletjie, for their alleged roles in the deaths of six people, linked to an R10m insurance payout.

The trio, facing 25 charges including money laundering and receiving proceeds from unlawful activities, will remain in custody in a Vhembe prison to apply for bail together at the end of the month. Although Kutumela (43) was expected to apply for bail yesterday, the trio will now appear on October 30, 31, and November 1.

Sergeant Rachel Kutumela, her daughter Modjadji Florah Shokane (27) and her sister Raesetja Annah Shokane (47) appeared before the Polokwane Magistrate's Court today on multiple charges including money laundering and receiving proceeds from unlawful activities. pic.twitter.com/4er7sY62Ll

— Polokwane Observer (@PolokwaneObserv) October 18, 2024

A police insider revealed that five luxury vehicles were allegedly bought with the insurance payout, with several registered in Modjadji’s name.

NPA regional spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi said more arrests were imminent. Kutumela’s lawyer, Moses Manthata, who is also representing the other two accused, claimed there is no direct evidence linking them to the six deaths and hinted the victims might be related to them.

The Polokwane Review understands that Ephraim Choshi who died on August 1, 2021 was an uncle to Kutumela while Noko Montja was an ex-lover and Navel Kutumela a young brother.

Outside court, Jane Seakamela, a family member of one of the victims, questioned how the accused obtained her brother’s death certificate to claim insurance funds.

Her statement has been translated into English:

“We do not know how the accused obtained my brother’s death certificate to claim from a fraudulent life policy. When my brother was murdered on September 14, 2022, he and his child’s mother had long separated. While we were preparing to bury him, the ex-lover and Kutumela approached us, claiming to assist with the burial. We refused their offer. Later, we found out they had claimed insurance funds. Kutumela even knew about the post-mortem results before we did. We still don’t know how life cover and funeral policies were obtained in his name. They also faked a lobola letter, claiming my brother was traditionally married to his ex-lover. That letter even had a forged signature of my mother, who could not write.”

Polokwane Review further reports that Kutumela, who was stationed at the Senwabarwana Police Station, has been stripped of her service badges.

Following her arrest last Thursday, two women who were said to have been recruited by Kutumela to murder their ex-boyfriends for insurance payouts, turned state witness after being questioned by police.

Kutumela, who resides in Moletjie Makgofe near Seshego, is said to have insured vulnerable individuals, including the sick, disabled, and poor, through multiple reputable insurance companies.

She reportedly led a lavish lifestyle, owning two Range Rovers, a Toyota Land Cruiser, a BMW 3 Series, and a Mercedes-Benz C-Class – all allegedly paid for in cash.

The victims are from the Seshego, Matlala, Westenburg and Moletjie areas.