SIX SUSPECTS APPEAR IN COURT FOR ALLEGED INSURANCE-RELATED KILLINGS

POLOKWANE – Six suspects, Masephe Thomas Shokane (50), William Shokane (41), Mmakoena David Kutumela (52), Masepe Damaris Selepe (38), Mojeri Benedictor Mataba (38), and Martha Iris Ruiters, briefly appeared before the Polokwane Magistrates’ Court today in connection with a series of alleged insurance-related murders. The accused faces multiple charges, including nine counts of murder, money laundering, receiving proceeds of unlawful activities, and fraud.

The information obtained from the NPA Limpopo spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, the Shokane brothers are the siblings of former police officer Rachel Raesetsa Shokane Kutumela (43), who was previously stationed at the Senwabarwana Police Station, and Annah Shokane (47). They are also the uncles of Madjadji Flora Shokane (23). David Kutumela is the husband of Rachel Kutumela. The accused are from Moletjie Makgofe and Sebokeng.

The six accused were arrested on 10 March 2026 and will remain in custody until 25 March 2026. The matter was postponed, allowing for the profiling of the accused and for Ruiters and Selepe to secure legal representation. It is alleged that between 2013 and 2024, Rachel Kutumela, Annah Shokane, Madjadji Shokane, David Kutumela, Damaris Selepe, and Mojeri Mataba fraudulently took out various life and funeral insurance policies on several victims and later claimed payouts totalling approximately R10 million.

The payouts were allegedly made by several financial institutions and insurance companies, including ABSA, Standard Bank, Capitec, Hollard, AVBOB, Assupol, Old Mutual, One Life, and Clientele. The State further alleges that the unlawful proceeds were shared among Madjadji, Rachel, Annah, Johannes, Thomas, William, David, Damaris, Benedictor, and Iris. Meanwhile, the trial of Rachel Kutumela, Annah Shokane, and Madjadji Shokane has been transferred to the Polokwane High Court, where proceedings are scheduled to run from 05 to 30 October 2026. The accused in that matter remains in custody pending the commencement of the trial.

———
Listen Perfect Radio live and more local stories on www.perfectradio.co.za