They were released on strict conditions including not to interfere with state witnesses.
Six individuals, including siblings of former police officer Rachel Kutumela, face multiple charges in connection with a string of alleged insurance-related murders. Picture: Supplied
Three of the accused in the R10 million insurance murder case have been granted bail.
The accused appeared in the Polokwane Magistrates’ Court on Friday, where the ruling was handed down. The case involves former police sergeant Rachel Kutumela,
The three are expected to go on trial from 5-30 October 2026 at the Polokwane High Court.
Bail
The court granted bail of R10 000 each to accused 8, Damaris Selepe; accused 9, Benedictor Mataba; and accused 10, Martha Ruiters, after finding insufficient evidence that they posed a risk to state witnesses.
They were released on strict conditions, including not to interfere with state witnesses, and must report to the Seshego Police Station every Friday until the matter is finalised.
Charges
The trio are among ten accused facing charges linked to an alleged insurance fraud and murder scheme.
They face 47 charges, including nine counts of murder, fraud, money laundering, receiving the proceeds of unlawful activities and defeating the ends of justice.
The group allegedly killed at least ten people, including poor, vulnerable and disabled relatives, to claim millions of rand in insurance payouts.
Bail denied
Meanwhile, the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court denied bail to five other accused in the R10 million insurance matter.
Bail was denied to accused 5 Thomas Shokane (brother of Rachel Kutumela), accused 6: William Shokane (Thomas’s brother), accused 7: David Kutumela (Rachel’s husband and a school principal), and accused 11: Robert Shokane (Rachel’s brother), placing four close family members at the centre of the alleged R10‑million insurance fraud case.
Accused 4, Johannes Shokane, also a brother of Rachel Kutumela, abandoned his bail application.
They remain in custody.
Case postponed
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Mashudu Malabi, said they welcomed the bail rulings handed down today by the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court.
“The matter was postponed to 30 July 2026 for further investigations and continuation of court proceedings.
“The NPA commends the investigating team for its diligent work in bringing the matter before court and remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that those involved in fraud and corruption are held accountable through the criminal justice system, without fear, favour, or prejudice,” Malabi said.
Court
Kutumela, a 43-year-old sergeant attached to a police station in Limpopo, was arrested on 11 October 2024 while on duty.
During court proceedings in November, the alleged insurance killer explained that she began insuring her family members after joining the police force. This is after witnessing her mother’s financial struggles at a young age.
The State has accused Kutumela of killing Sydney Noko Montja, Joyce Tsela Malesa, Navel Kutumela, Maphari Ephraim Chosi, Jacob Petrus Seakamela and Phuthi Martin Mothata between 2019 and 2024.
