Six People Arrested Over R10 Million Insurance Murder Scheme
Six people accused of participating in a murder-for-insurance scheme briefly appeared before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, facing a string of serious charges including multiple counts of murder.
Prosecutors allege the group was involved in a criminal operation in which insurance policies were taken out on victims before claims were later submitted following their deaths.
According to IOL, the accused are Masephe Thomas Shokane (50), William Shokane (41), Mmakoena David Kutumela (52), Masepe Damaris Selepe (38), Mojeri Benedictor Mataba (38) and Martha Iris Ruiters.
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Murder, Fraud and Money Laundering Charges
According to the National Prosecuting Authority, the six suspects face nine counts of murder along with charges of fraud, money laundering and receiving proceeds from unlawful activities.
NPA spokesperson Mashudu Malabi confirmed that the suspects were recently taken into custody.
“The six accused were arrested on March 10, 2026,” said Malabi.
Alleged Insurance Scheme Spanning Years
Investigators believe the suspects were connected to a wider group of individuals who allegedly orchestrated fraudulent insurance policies over several years.
“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,” Malabi said.
Authorities say multiple financial institutions and insurance companies were involved in processing the payments, including ABSA, Standard Bank, Capitec, Hollard, AVBOB, Assupol, Old Mutual, Clientele and OneLife.
Family Connections Under Investigation
Prosecutors say the case involves several relatives and associates. The Shokane brothers are related to former police officer Rachel Raesetsa Shokane Kutumela, who previously worked at Senwabarwana Police Station. They are also related to Annah Shokane and Madjadji Flora Shokane.
David Kutumela is married to Rachel Kutumela, and authorities say many of the accused are from Moletjie Makgofe and Sebokeng.
“The State further alleges that the unlawful proceeds were shared among Madjadji, Rachel, Annah, Johannes, Thomas, William, David, Damaris, Benedictor, and Iris,” Malabi said.
Case Postponed
The matter was postponed to March 25, 2026 to allow authorities to conduct profiling of the accused. Two of the suspects — Ruiters and Selepe — are also expected to secure legal representation.
Meanwhile, the case against Rachel Kutumela, Annah Shokane and Madjadji Shokane has already been moved to the Polokwane High Court, where trial proceedings are scheduled for October 5 to 30, 2026.
The three accused in that matter remain in custody while awaiting trial.