POLOKWANE – Today (Wednesday, March 11), six suspects appeared at the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court related to former police officer Rachel Kutumela over alleged insurance related murders.

This after police made arrests yesterday in the city and nearby village outside Polokwane, Moletjie.

The accused were named Thomas Shokane, William Shokane, David Kutumela, Damaris Selepe, Benedictor Mataba and Martha Ruiters.

Six suspects appeared in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court today, facing 47 counts including nine murders linked to former police officer Rachel Kutumela. pic.twitter.com/w6OWDIiRX8

— Polokwane Observer (@PolokwaneObserv) March 11, 2026

They are charged with 47 counts, including nine murder charges, fraud, money laundering and other criminal charges.

Thomas and William Shokane, David Kutumela and Mataba will be represented by Moses Manthata, who is also representing Rachel Shokane-Kutumela and Anna Shokane, who are set to be trialed on October 2026 at the Polokwane High Court.

The matter will be joined with the one of Johannes Shokane, who appeared last Thursday at the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court, whose case was postponed to March 25 for the purpose of section 77 of inquiry.

Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe noted they are looking for the seventh suspect, named Robert Shokane and urged him to hand himself over to the nearest police station.

“We are already on the ground looking for him and we will soon be circulating his picture,” she said.