Five suspects, including a senior education official, have been arrested in connection with a murder-for-insurance scheme linked to former police sergeant Rachel Kutumela.
One of the suspects was arrested in Sebokeng, Gauteng on Monday, while four others — including two brothers and a traditional healer — were taken into custody in Polokwane, Limpopo on Tuesday morning.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) said further arrests are expected as investigations continue.
Kutumela was arrested in October 2024 and is accused of orchestrating the killing of vulnerable individuals in order to claim insurance payouts. She remains in custody along with three co-accused, including her sister, daughter and elder brother.
According to national police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe, authorities are carrying out multiple arrests linked to what investigators describe as a large-scale insurance fraud and murder scheme.
“We are executing seven warrants of arrest in relation to a R10 million insurance murder-for-payout scheme today in Limpopo. Captain Keshi Mabunda is leading this particular operation,” Mathe said.
She added that the suspects are believed to have taken out life and funeral policies on at least 10 individuals who were later murdered.
Police say the investigation is ongoing as authorities work to uncover the full extent of the alleged scheme.