POLOKWANE – Johannes Shokane, the brother of insurance-and-policy murder accused Rachel Kutumela, appeared in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday for his bail hearing.

Shokane is accused of being part of a family network behind a string of insurance-related murders, and his case was postponed for a formal bail application, according to NPA regional spokesperson Mashudu Malabi.

Read more: Johannes Shokane added as fourth accused in insurance murder case

Shokane, who was arrested on November 4, faces nine counts of murder, as well as charges of money laundering, receiving the proceeds of unlawful activities and defeating the ends of justice.

“Shokane is the brother of former police officer Rachel Kutumela, Annah Shokane, and the uncle of Flora Shokane. All are from Moletjie, Makgofe outside Polokwane,” Malabi confirmed.

According to Malabi, the sisters Kutumela and Shokane reportedly took out fraudulent life and funeral insurance policies for several victims between 2013 and 2022, later claiming payouts of around R10m.

“The payouts were made by multiple service providers, including Absa, Standard Bank, Capitec, Hollard, Assupol, Old Mutual, One Life and Clientele Life,” she added.

She said the proceeds were allegedly shared among the accused, including Shokane.

The defence requested a postponement to allow for further consultations ahead of the bail application and asked that Shokane be sent for mental observation in terms of Section 77 of the Criminal Procedure Act. The bail hearing is scheduled for December 9, and Shokane will remain in custody until then.

Malabi confirmed that the trial of Kutumela, Annah and Flora Shokane has been transferred to the Polokwane High Court, where it is expected to run from October 5-30, 2026. Shokane will join them, and all remain in custody pending the start of the trial.