The NPA will reject bail applications

The Limpopo police officer was arrested last week.

She allegedly pocketed R10 million from insurance claims after fraudulently securing funeral, accident and life insurance cover from banks and insurance companies.

Shokane-Kutumela, 43, her sister Annah Shokane, 47, and daughter Flora Shokane, 27, appeared in the Polokwane District Court on Friday.

Acting Chief Justice Godfrey Netshiozwi adjourned the matter to October 30 for a possible bail application.

“As a state, we will reject their release on bail as we have a strong case against the three defendants,” Limpopo NPA spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi said.

“The defendants are accused of money laundering, fraud and six counts of murder.

“The other two face charges of receiving the proceeds of unlawful activities while obstructing the end of justice.”

Annah, who is a nurse by profession, and Flora were arrested in Mabokelele village on Thursday, a week after Shokane-Kutumela was arrested while on duty at Senwabarwana police station.

“It is alleged that Sergeant Kutumela fraudulently purchased life and funeral insurance policies for several victims and claimed a total of R10 million as the sole beneficiary,” Malabi-Dzhangi said.

“The payouts were made through various service providers including ABSA, Standard Bank, Capitec, Hollard, Assupol, Old Mutual, Onelife and Clientele. Kutumela is accused of sharing the proceeds with her sister and daughter.”

Her alleged rampage took place between 2019 and 2024.

In one case, a woman was burned to death in her hut, and in another case, a disabled man was found drowned in a dam.

Malabi-Dzhangi said more arrests could be made.