POLOKWANE – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed that one of the accused in the R21 million insurance murder case, William Shokane, has passed away.

The matter of former police officer Rachel Shokane Kutumela, her sister, daughter and six others was before the Polokwane High Court on Monday.

According to NPA Limpopo spokesperson Mashudu Malabi, the state informed the court of Shokane’s death and said proceedings will continue against the remaining accused.

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Airborne disease

It was mentioned that the deceased suffered from an airborne disease that led to his passing. It was earlier stated that he had contracted tuberculosis, which reportedly led to him being crippled and kept in a wheelchair behind bars.

111 charges

The group is facing 111 charges, including:

• Murder
• Fraud
• Money laundering
• Receiving proceeds of unlawful activities
• Defeating the ends of justice

The state alleges that between 2013 and 2024, the accused – led by Rachel – fraudulently took out life, funeral and accidental insurance policies on vulnerable victims and later claimed payouts totalling approximately R21 million, including repudiated claims.

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Who was William Shokane?

Shokane, who died at age 41, was the brother of alleged mastermind Rachel, a former police sergeant based at Senwabarwana Police Station.

He was arrested on March 10 alongside his brother Thomas Shokane, his brother-in-law and school principal Mmakoena David Kutumela (the husband of Rachel), and three others.

At the time, he was facing nine counts of murder, fraud, money laundering and receiving proceeds of unlawful activities.

Targeted vulnerable individuals

The NPA alleges that the family syndicate targeted vulnerable individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, including a mentally disabled relative, took out policies from institutions such as:

• ABSA
• Standard Bank
• Capitec
• Hollard
• AVBOB
• Assupol
• Old Mutual

The proceeds were allegedly shared among the accused.

Denied bail

Shokane was denied bail earlier this year after the State alleged he attempted to kidnap a State witness.

The case has been postponed to October 29 to secure legal aid representation for the remaining accused.