Insurance murders: More delays in Rachel Kutumela trial
The murder case involving Rachel Kutumela and her co-accused continues after another postponement.
Quick read
- Former police officer Rachel Kutumela and co-accused Anna and Flora Shokane appeared in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.
- Charges against Kutumela include murder, fraud, money laundering, and defeating the ends of justice.
- The court heard that Kutumela allegedly opened life insurance policies for multiple victims before their suspicious deaths.
- Victims include individuals who were stabbed, drowned, burned, or found with fatal injuries.
- Kutumela was the beneficiary in all the policies and allegedly shared payouts with family and co-accused.
- Investigating officer Capt Keshi Mabunda testified that bank records contradicted Kutumela’s claims of family support.
- Proceedings were postponed due to a family responsibility issue, with testimony set to continue July 23–24.
Full story
POLOKWANE – Former police officer Rachel Kutumela, along with co-accused Anna and Flora Shokane, appeared in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court last Wednesday following a previous postponement on May 29.
Kutumela faces charges including murder, fraud, money laundering and defeating the ends of justice.
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The court appearance was initially set to continue with the cross-examination of investigating officer Capt Keshi Mabunda, who had previously testified that Kutumela opened insurance policies for all the victims shortly before their deaths.
Proceedings were, however, postponed again due to a family responsibility issue. During the session, it was also revealed that the Department of Home Affairs records do not list Kutumela as the legal mother of accused three, Flora Shokane.
According to Mabunda’s testimony, Kutumela financially benefitted from the deaths of several individuals, all under suspicious circumstances:
• Strydom Ruiters, found stabbed in Sebokeng shortly after a visit from Kutumela.
• Gordon Rasekoma, found burned in his room.
• Sydney Montsha, discovered drowned in a dam.
• Makgato Kutumela, found in the road with head injuries.
• Joyce Malesa, who burned to death beyond recognition in Seshego.
In each of these cases, Kutumela was listed as the policy beneficiary, with her sister frequently signing as a witness to the insurance payouts.
You might also want to read: New evidence delays bail hearing in insurance murder case
The court also heard that Kutumela made premium payments through ATM deposits and allegedly distributed the policy money to her co-accused and other family members. Kutumela claimed she used her salary to financially assist her siblings, but Mabunda refuted this, saying bank records did not support her claims.
During the previous court appearance, co-accused Anna Shokane appealed for bail, citing the adverse effects of incarceration on her mental health and her desire to further her education.
“I would like to attend the court case while out on bail. I understand the seriousness of the case, but being at Matatshe prison is affecting my mental and psychological well-being. I want to study and support my family.”
The case has been postponed to July 23-24, when Mabunda is expected to resume his testimony. All three accused remain in custody at Matatshe prison.
