POLOKWANE – The policewoman arrested for six insurance fraud murders made a brief, dramatic appearance before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court this morning.
Sgt Rachel Raesetja Kutumela (43), a Senwabarwana police station officer, is charged with 11 counts of fraud, six counts of premeditated murder and two counts of defeating the ends of justice between 2019 and 2024.
She appeared in court covering her face but was asked to reveal her face after applications by the media to follow the case were approved.
Kutumela, dubbed Rosemary 2.0 by the public, was arrested on Thursday following a lengthy investigation by Captain Keshi Mabunda on allegations that she fraudulently benefited from funeral, accidental and life police cover from various banks and insurance companies.
Read more: Female Limpopo sergeant linked to 6 insurance fraud murders
Her alleged crimes are similar to those of Rosemary Ndlovu, a former policewoman who was found guilty for the death of six people between 2012 and 2018, who also benefited from life policies.
Mabunda is renowned for his exceptional work in dismantling insurance fraud syndicates and was responsible for Ndlovu’s case as well.
Family members of the deceased victims told the Polokwane Observer that Kutumela owned two Range Rovers, a Land Cruiser, a BMW 3 Series and a Mercedes Benz.
Among family present was Mamoloko Machabela, a relative of a disabled man whose body was found dumped in a river near Ga-Mashashane.
Mabunda is stern that Kutumela insured her alleged victims and cashed out over R10m and reports from reliable sources in court suggest the amount is well over R15m.
The case has been postponed to October 18 for the application of bail.
