SA Policewoman Accused of Killing 6 Family Members for Insurance Money

Insurance Scheme Turns Fatal - Policewoman Charged with 6 Murders

South African policewoman in court for alleged murder of 6 to claim R10 million insurance...

South African policewoman arrested and charged with murdering 6 family members to claim R10 million in insurance payouts. 

A South African female police officer appeared in court on October 11, facing murder charges related to the deaths of six individuals. Authorities allege that the officer's motive was to collect life insurance payouts totaling approximately R10 million (around $570,000).

Rachel Kutumela, a 43-year-old sergeant, appeared in a Polokwane court, about 190 miles northeast of Johannesburg, South Africa. Initially, her face was hidden behind a hoodie and mask until the court ordered her to uncover herself. Kutumela's arrest occurred on October 10 while she was on duty at a police station in Senwabarwana, a small town roughly 56 miles from Polokwane.

This case bears some resemblance to that of Rosemary Ndlovu, a former South African police officer convicted of murdering six family members to collect insurance payouts. Ndlovu's motive, similar to the allegations against Kutumela, was to benefit from life and funeral insurance policies. Ndlovu was sentenced to six concurrent life terms and thirty years for fraud and incitement to commit murder.

“Her victims were known to her and were from destitute and disadvantaged backgrounds and some were disabled or mentally challenged,” the police statement read.

Kutumela stands accused of killing six individuals to financially benefit from life and funeral insurance policies, totaling at least R10 million.

“The incidents began in 2019 when the insured persons would be found dead and their bodies dumped in different areas,” the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said.

Police reported the gruesome discovery of two bodies: a disabled man found dead in a dam, and a woman whose burned remains were discovered in a shack.

Facts:

• Defendant: Rachel Kutumela, 43-year-old police sergeant
• Charges: Six counts of murder
• Alleged motive: Collecting life and funeral insurance payouts
• Total payout: At least R10 million (approximately $570,000)
• Case status: Ongoing trial
• Two bodies recovered
• Victims: disabled man and woman
• Locations: dam and shack
• Circumstances: suspicious deaths, alleged foul play
• Court appearance: October 11

The court rescheduled the case for a bail hearing on October 18.