POLOKWANE – Eight accused linked to the R10m insurance fraud case involving former police officer Rachel Kutumela appeared in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday for the continuation of their bail application.

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

Rachel Kutumela was arrested in October 2024 and faces 47 charges, including murder and fraud, after suspectedly claiming close to R10m from funeral and life insurance policies.

It is thought that she opened life insurance policies in the names of victims and later claimed the payouts after they died under mysterious circumstances. According to National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Mashudu Malabi, the murders started in 2019. “The incidents began in 2019 when the insured persons would be found dead and their bodies dumped in different areas.”

Also read: 8 accused back in court for Limpopo insurance murders

During Tuesday’s proceedings, investigating officer Capt Keshi Mabunda testified and was cross-examined by both the state and defence legal teams.

Defence attorney Ndamulelo Tharini, representing David Kutumela, argued that his client has no previous convictions, no pending cases and no history of failing to appear in court. Tharini submitted that these factors should weigh in favour of granting bail. Mabunda, however, opposed bail, arguing that releasing the accused would not be in the interest of justice due to the seriousness of the allegations. “Being a first-time offender should not be considered exceptional circumstances for bail,” Mabunda told the court.

The matter was postponed to Thursday for the continuation of Mabunda’s cross-examination.

Rachel Kutumela, her sister Anna Shokane and daughter Flora Shokane are expected to stand trial in the Polokwane High Court in October this year.