The 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, appeared briefly in the Polokwane Magistrate’s court regarding a series of murders related to insurance money.
Their charges include nine counts of murder, money laundering, money laundering and fraud.
The Shokane brothers are the brothers of former police officer Rachel Raesetsa Shokane Kutumela (43), who worked at the Senwabarwana police station and her sister Annah Shokane (47). They are also uncles of Madjadji Flora Shokane (23) who is Rachel’s daughter who is also in shorts. David Kutumela is Rachel Kutumela’s husband. The other suspects are from Moletjie, Makgofe and Sebokeng.
The six suspects were arrested on March 10, 2026 and will be remanded in custody until March 25, 2026 as the case has been adjourned, in order to find the suspects who have not yet been arrested and for the defendants Ruiters and Selepe to receive representation.
It is alleged that between 2013 and 2024, Rachel Kutumela, Annah Shokane, Madjadji Shokane, David Kutumela, Damaris Selepe, and Mojeri Mataba took out various life and funeral insurance policies from several victims and later demanded payment of approximately R10 million.
It is said that here they apply to insurance companies including ABSA, Standard Bank, Capitec, Hollard, AVBOB, Assupol, Old Mutual, One Life and Clientele. The State also claims that the illegally withdrawn money was distributed to Madjadji, Rachel, Annah, Johannes, Thomas, William, David, Damaris, Benedictor and Iris.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 it is expected to continue from 05 to 30 October 2026.