The Polokwane Magistrate’s Court is set to resume the bail application of three women accused of orchestrating a series of murders to claim insurance payouts amounting to millions of rands.
Former police officer Sergeant Rachel Kutumela, her sister Anna Shokane, and her daughter Flora Shokane face charges related to the deaths of nine individuals under suspicious circumstances.
The state alleges the trio financially benefited from life insurance policies taken out on the deceased. Investigating officer Keshi Mabunda is expected to take the stand to oppose bail. During a previous court appearance, Mabunda testified that after insurance claims were paid out, the accused moved funds among themselves and other relatives.
Mabunda also revealed that Kutumela has since resigned from the South African Police Service. The alleged killing spree linked to insurance payouts is believed to have begun in 2017.
Investigations are still underway to determine the possible involvement of additional family members. The bail hearing is scheduled to continue over the next two days.