Accused insurance killer cop to stay in custody

Limpopo police sergeant Rachel Shokane-Kutumela, accused of orchestrating six murders to claim life insurance payouts, has been held in custody.

The 43-year-old who was arrested while on duty appeared in court alongside her 47-year-old sister Annah Shokane and 27-year-old daughter Madjadji Shokane who were arrested by the South African Police Service (SAPS) Limpopo tracking team in Mabokelele village on Thursday.

INSURANCE KILLER COP APPEARS IN COURT

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the three face multiple charges, including, six counts of murder, money laundering, receiving proceeds from unlawful activities, twelve counts of fraud, and defeating the ends of justice.

Money laundering charges apply specifically to Rachel Kutumela and her daughter, Madjadji.

NPA spokesperson in Limpopo Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi said it is alleged that sergeant Kutumela fraudulently took out life and funeral insurance policies for multiple victims and has claimed a total of R10 million as the sole beneficiary. The payouts were made by various service providers, including ABSA, Standard Bank, Capitec, Hollard, Assupol, Old Mutual, Onelife, and Clientele. Kutumela is accused of sharing the proceeds with her sister and daughter.

The crimes began in 2019, when the insured individuals were found dead in various locations. In one instance, a woman was burned in her shack, while in another, a disabled man was discovered drowned in a dam. Authorities have indicated that further arrests may follow.

“The case has been postponed to 30–31 October and 1 November 2024 for a bail application. The accused will remain in custody until then,” Malabi-Dzhangi said.