A police sergeant confessed to reaping financial rewards as the sole beneficiary of multiple insurance policies.
The three women accused in the notorious Limpopo insurance killings case abandoned their bail applications on the final day of their hearing at the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court, despite the defense’s argument that the state’s case was weak. The charges against them were increased, adding three more counts of premeditated murder, bringing the total to nine.
Sergeant Raesetsa Rachel Kutumela, a police officer from Senwabarwana, is facing 32 charges, including financial fraud involving over R20 million from life, accidental, and funeral insurance policies. Kutumela admitted to benefiting as the sole beneficiary of these policies, sharing the proceeds with her sister, Anna Shokane, and daughter, Modjadji Flora Shokane.
Among the new charges is the alleged murder of Strydom Reuters in 2019, in which Kutumela reportedly gained R1.5 million by falsely claiming to be his spouse. The revelation came as a surprise, as Reuters was reportedly involved with Anna Shokane, and the deceased’s family denied knowing the sisters.
The hearing also featured emotional testimony from Benedictor Mojeri Mataba, who accused police officers of intimidation and abuse during questioning about the death of her ex-husband, another victim linked to Kutumela. The accused, facing charges of fraud, money laundering, and multiple counts of premeditated murder, remain in custody. Their next court appearance is set for February 7.
