New evidence delays bail hearing in insurance murder case
The bail hearing for Madjadji Flora Shokane was postponed to March 18-19 after new evidence emerged. She faces fraud and murder-related charges.
POLOKWANE – The bail hearing for Madjadji Flora Shokane, daughter of Sgt Rachel Shokane-Kutumela, has been postponed to March 18 and 19 by the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court following the introduction of new evidence by the prosecution, which defence attorney Mukoma Maiwashe received only on the morning of the scheduled hearing.
Maiwashe requested additional time to consult with his client regarding this development.
The court also dismissed Maiwashe’s application to transfer Shokane from Matatshe Prison in Thohoyandou to the Polokwane Correctional Centre.
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He argued that the transfer would reduce travel costs and facilitate consultations.
Acting senior magistrate Godfrey Netshiozwi, however, ruled against the request, noting that the state covers travel expenses and that the accused is not experiencing undue hardship.
Shokane faces multiple charges, including money laundering, fraud, and defeating the ends of justice.
She is accused of collaborating with her mother, and aunt, Annah Shokane, in a scheme involving the murders of at least nine individuals to fraudulently claim insurance payouts totalling approximately R10m.
Read more: Insurance murders: Rachel Kutumela’s daughter and sister arrested
The victims were reportedly known to the accused and came from disadvantaged backgrounds. Sgt Shokane-Kutumela and Annah Shokane previously abandoned their bail applications. Their case has been postponed to May 7 for further investigation and the preparation of an indictment.
The state alleges that the accused took out life and funeral insurance policies on behalf of their victims before orchestrating their murders to collect the payouts.
Read more: Limpopo insurance murders: Victim’s family speaks out
The investigation is ongoing, with the National Prosecuting Authority indicating that additional arrests may occur as more information emerges.
