• The South African Police sergeant stationed in Senwabarwana, charged with insurance murder, has appeared in court.
• Sergeant Rachel Shokane-Kutumela, her sister and her daughter allegedly orchestrated the murder of six people over 24 years.
• She had initially planned to seek bail due to her diabetes, but dropped her bail request midway through the hearing.

With nine years of experience, Tebogo Mokwena, news editor for In brief Newsprovided an overview of the criminal justice system and high-profile cases in South Africa in daily sunlight.

POLOKWANE—Sergeant Rachel Shokane-Kutumela, who appeared in court on bail with his sister and daughter, abandoned his request for bail in the middle of the hearing.

Murder accused appears in court

Shokane-Kiutumela, a South African Police Department sergeant stationed in Senwabarwana, appeared before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on November 1. She and her sister, Annah Shokane, 47, and daughter Flora Shokane, 23, face nine counts of murder, money laundering, receiving proceeds of illegal activities, failing to serve the purpose of justice and fraud.

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The court heard the trio committed the crimes from 2000 to 2024, spanning 24 years and live a lavish lifestyle. They committed the crimes in Gauteng and Limpopo in areas like Sebokeng in Emuleni, Soweto, Lebowakgomo and Seshego and Matlerekeng in Limpopo. The court also heard that the murders included a woman who died in a cabin fire and a disabled man who drowned.

Shokane-Kutumela abandons bail

Kutumela initially argued that she could afford bail of R5,000. This is despite reports that she owns a 10-room house and owns several vehicles. She also said she suffered from diabetes and relies on a special diet. She is convinced there is not enough evidence and has therefore cooperated with the police. However, she waived bail.

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Nurse denies insurance killings

In a related article, In brief News reported that a nurse accused of killing her domestic worker over insurance reasons denied committing the crime.

She appeared before the Lenasia Magistrate’s Court in July 2024, facing charges of fraud, murder and defeating the ends of justice. She denied killing her domestic worker.

Source: In Brief News