POLOKWANE – A relative of the accused in the R10m insurance murder case, Johannes Shokane, appeared in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court this morning (November 5) following his arrest on Tuesday in Moletjie, outside Polokwane.

Read more: Rachel Kutumela’s brother nabbed in insurance murder probe

Shokane, who has now been added as Accused 4 in the case involving his sisters, former police officer Rachel Kutumela and Anna Shokane, and his niece Flora Shokane, faces 25 charges including murder, premeditated murder, fraud, money laundering, and obstruction of justice.

According to court documents, Shokane is alleged to have participated in the murders of several victims, including Sydney Montsha, Joyce Malesa, Jacob Seakamela, Strydom Ruiters, and Andrew Makgarietsa, among others.

The killings were all ruled as premeditated murders and police allege Shokane benefited financially through insurance policies taken out in the victims’ names.

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The court also heard that the accused was allegedly involved in unlawful financial activities linked to the case, including possessing R2 500 in March 2020, which investigators believe was connected to illicit transactions.

Shokane is being represented by Advocate Mukoma Maiwashe, who also represents Anna Shokane in the same matter.

Both the state and defence agreed to postpone the bail application to November 18, as Investigating Officer Keshi Mabunda will be unavailable next week.

However, the magistrate noted that the new date remains provisional, citing court overcrowding and scheduling constraints.