Insurance murder accused remain behind bars

Police officer Rachel Kutumela, along with her co-accused sister Anna Shokane and daughter Flora Shokane appeared in the Polokwane Magistrate's Court last Wednesday.

- Cecilia Mogashoa

Their appearance follows a postponement on May 7 in the case involving a series of alleged insurance-related murders.

The court session resumed with the continuation of Anna Shokane's cross-examination, during which she pleaded for bail. Shokane said her continued detention at Matatshe Prison was impacting her mental and psychological well-being and that she wanted to further her studies and support her family while attending court proceedings as an out-of-custody accused.

"I would like to attend the court case while out on bail. I understand the seriousness of the case, but I think it would be best if I attend the case while I am outside because I want to further my studies and work for my family," she testified.

During earlier proceedings, Shokane claimed to be the mother of two children. New evidence presented by the defence, however, showed she was not listed as their legal guardian. Shokane responded by stating that she was their surrogate mother, which she had not disclosed earlier because, "My lawyer didn't ask me if those kids are mine biologically, adopted or what, that is why I didn't see the need to tell".