POLOKWANE – Eight suspects linked to a R10m insurance murder syndicate are expected back in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday as their bail application continues.

The group is linked to former police officer Rachel Shokane-Kutumela and faces 47 charges, including nine counts of murder, fraud, money laundering, and receiving proceeds of unlawful activities.

Also read: Limpopo insurance murders: Bail application postponed

The accused are Johannes Shokane (53), Robert Shokane (41), William Shokane (41), David Kutumela (52), Thomas Shokane (50), Martha Reuters (58), Benedictor Mataba (38) and Damaris Selepe (38).

In earlier proceedings, Johannes Shokane’s legal representative, Adv Jaros Tibane, argued that his client was not fit to stand trial following a vehicle accident in 2021, requesting that he be referred for psychiatric evaluation.

Also read: Insurance murders: 8 accused in court for bail applications

Defence attorney Moses Manthata later withdrew from representing several accused, stating that the case had become ethically complex due to conflicting versions presented by the accused during consultations.

“As you know, this is a sensitive matter involving members of the same family. Some accused are now implicating each other, creating a serious ethical problem,” he told the court.

Manthata had initially represented Rachel Shokane-Kutumela (43), Anna Shokane (47) and Flora Shokane (23), whose bail was previously denied and who are set to stand trial in the Polokwane High Court in October.

Also read: 6 appear in court over Limpopo insurance murders

In the current matter, he represented Thomas and William Shokane, David Kutumela and Benedictor Mataba, while the remaining accused requested legal aid.

During proceedings, the Reuters family opposed bail for Martha Reuters, who is accused of being involved in the killing of her brother, Strydom Reuters, said to have been murdered in 2019.

The family claimed she forged a dowry letter and assisted in linking the Shokane family to the victim under false pretences.

“We were raised with love, but she chose to work with strangers to kill our brother,” said Anneliese Leeuwe-Reuters.

All accused pleaded not guilty after their affidavits were read into the record.

The matter continues, with investigating officer Capt Keshi Mabunda expected to take the stand as the state opposes bail. All accused remain in custody.