POLOKWANE – The Shokane siblings, Thomas, William and Johannes, along with David Kutumela, Damaris Selepe, Benedictor Mataba and Martha Ruiters appeared in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on March 25.

Their court appearance follows arrests made on March 11 related to insurance-related killings allegedly involving former police officer Rachel Kutumela, who faces 47 charges, including murder and receiving proceeds of illegal activities.

Also read: WATCH: 6 Appear in court over Limpopo insurance murders

The matter had previously been postponed for bail applications, while Mataba and Ruiters were expected to apply for legal aid.

Johannes Shokane is represented by Advocate Mukoma Maiwashe, while the remaining accused are represented by Adv Moses Manthata.

Bail hearing set for April 14-17

Manthata requested a postponement of the bail hearing, saying he was not ready to proceed and had reached an agreement with the state.

He told the court that they needed proper reference for the bail application and had to gather additional information.

“We have arranged with the state for a postponement as we cannot double-book ourselves. We propose May 12-14,” he said.

State prosecutor Kgaogelo Lekoloane indicated readiness to proceed but did not oppose the postponement request.

The magistrate, however, ruled that the matter be heard from April 14-17, citing the urgency of the bail application. Manthata said he would confirm his availability.

Mental fitness of accused under scrutiny

The other accused were remanded in custody, while proceedings involving Johannes Shokane focused on his mental fitness to stand trial. This follows a subpoena issued for psychiatric evidence.

Witnesses who appeared were therapists and indicated they could not determine Shokane’s mental fitness, as they were not responsible for his diagnosis.

Also read: Insurance murders: Kutumela’s brother back in court

Occupational therapist Melanie Leyder testified that Shokane was involved in a motor vehicle accident in 2021 and sustained a traumatic brain injury.

“The documentation before me states that Shokane was involved in a motor vehicle accident in 2021 and suffered a brain injury. I did not diagnose him; that is done by a multidisciplinary team. I only treated him,” she said.

The state requested that the doctor who diagnosed Shokane be subpoenaed. The matter was postponed to align with the bail hearing dates, allowing 14 days for the witness to respond.

All accused remain in custody.