The bail application of a former Limpopo police sergeant and her two accomplices, accused of insurance-related killings, has been postponed to Friday next week in the Polokwane Magistrates court.
The matter has been postponed for closing arguments. The State and the defense lawyers have applied for more time to finalise preparations for their arguments.
The accused, Rachel Kutumela, her sister, Anna Shokane and daughter, Florah Shokane have been applying for bail since December last year.
They allegedly orchestrated the murders of nine people for insurance payouts amounting to R10 million.
Former police sergeant, Kutumela faces a total of 32 charges. They include nine murders, insurance fraud and money laundering.
Her co-accused and sister, Anna Shokane faces three murder charges.
The third accused, Florah Shokane is charged with murder, money laundering and fraud.
The court heard the accused transferred funds amongst one another.
The trio’s bail application has been ongoing since December last year.
State Prosecutor Kgaogelo Lekoloane, “The three of us could not finish the written heads of arguments so far, as this matter is concerned your worship. You would recall that for all practical purposes, this bail application started in October 2024.
Due to the volume of work that we had to go through your Worship, we could not all manage to complete the written heads. As it stands both my colleagues for accused numbers one, two and three have not yet submitted the written heads.”
The defense lawyers say they will be ready to proceed next week.
Defense lawyer, Moses Manthata says, “Unfortunately, due to the volume of work, it was very unfair for this case, your Worship, to finalise it as it is from somewhere last year October, your Worship, until today. We therefore humbly submit that we will be given another date.”
Defense lawyer, Mukoma Maiwashe, “We have agreed your Worship that I will submit my heads the following Monday to the State and will allow the State until Wednesday to provide their response to mine.”
Magistrate Godfrey Netshiozwi, “The court has granted the postponement. By agreement, this matter is therefore remanded to the 15th of August 2025 for address on the merits of this application in anticipation for judgment.”
The three accused have been remanded in custody. Their bail application is set to continue on August 15.
Discover more from Trendz Africa
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
