Rachel Kutumela stripped of service badges after insurance murders

POLOKWANE – A chilling insurance fraud scheme has come to light, implicating Sgt Rachel Kutumela, a police officer accused of orchestrating the deaths of six people she had insured, allegedly collecting over R10m in payouts between 2019 and 2024.

Read more: Female Limpopo sergeant linked to 6 insurance fraud murders

Kutumela, who was stationed at the Senwabarwana Police Station, was arrested last Thursday in a dramatic operation led by Capt Kheshi Mabunda and his investigative team.

Stripped of her service badges, she was charged with six counts of premeditated murder, 12 of fraud, and defeating the ends of justice.

Following her arrest, 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.

Read more: Limpopo insurance murders: Sergeant had five luxury vehicles

All the victims were from the Seshego, Matlala, Westenburg and Moletjie areas.

Kutumela’s first court appearance was marked by emotional scenes.

Family members of the victims filled the courtroom, struggling to contain their grief and shock upon seeing her.

One distraught relative, Mamoloko Machabela, recalled her disbelief that someone they trusted as “Sister Rachel” could be implicated in her uncle’s death.

“My uncle, Montja, was disabled and sickly. Rachel looked after him, took him to the clinic, bought us food, and even paid for his funeral when he was found dead in a dam. She later told us that her firstborn child was my uncle’s. I trusted her completely,” Machabela shared tearfully.

She also mentioned that Kutumela had kept copies of their IDs, though she never questioned it at the time.

Another family member, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed confusion and disbelief.

“She was always sweet and caring. We never thought she could possibly be behind this.”

Kutumela’s lawyer, Moses Manthata, told Polokwane Observer that she would “stay strong” with the support of her family, adding that she intended to plead not guilty.

More arrests are expected as investigations continue, with the state witnesses likely playing a pivotal role in further developments.

Kutumela returned to the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court today as profiling and additional inquiries into the case unfold.