Bail denied in insurance fraud case

The three women accused of multiple counts of murder and insurance fraud were denied bail by the Polokwane Magistrate's Court last Wednesday, following a ruling by Magistrate Godfrey Netshiodzwi. Among them is former police officer Rachel Kutumela, who faces 32 charges alongside co-accused Florah Shokane and Annah Shokane.

- Cecilia Mogashoa

Kutumela, who was arrested in October last year while working at the Senwabarwana police station, is accused of premeditated murder, fraud and money laundering. The charges stem from a lengthy investigation led by Capt Keshi Mabunda, which revealed fraudulent insurance claims involving funeral and life insurance policies from companies such as Hollard, Capitec, One Life, Assupol and Clientele.

The Shokane sisters were also arrested in October last year for apparently participating in the murders of six individuals to cash in on policy payouts.