The Limpopo police sergeant who was arrested on Thursday for murdering six people and cashing in over R10-million in insurance allegedly used a payout from the death of one of her victims to pay for her lavish wedding.
Raesetja Rachel Shokane, 43, was allegedly preying on unsuspecting destitute families and mentally ill people whom she registered for insurance and then claimed payouts after their mysterious deaths.
Shokane appeared in the Polokwane Regional Court on Friday to face six charges of premeditated murder, 11 counts of fraud and two counts of defeating the ends of justice.
Shokane has been linked to the murders of Sydney Montja, on October 19, 2019, Tsela Malesa on July 5, 2020, Navel Kutumela on April 6, 2021, Ephraim Choshi on August 1, 2021, Jacob Seakamela on September 14, 2022, and Martin Manthata on April 13, 2024.
On the day of her wedding to David Kutumela in December 2019, just two months after her alleged victim, Montja was found dead, Shokane allegedly hired a chopper, treating guests to the first-ever extravagant nuptials in the area.
Montja’s cousin, Mamoloko Mashabela said she met Shokane at Seshego Hospital where he was collecting medication. After a brief meeting, Shokane allegedly took them to Polokwane in a Land Cruiser where she assisted Montja to withdraw his Sassa grant.
Mashabela said Shokane treated them to a scrumptious lunch but after the meal, she did not return the Sassa card.
Mashabela said over the years, Shokane has been generous, providing for Montja.
“Rachel suddenly became a family member and that’s why we never complained when she took Sydney’s identity document and Sassa card. She took over my role of caring for Montja.
“Just after I left, they got married and the celebration was sheer merriment. Months later, my cousin disappeared and a search party was launched. We later found him dead next to the Mashashane dam,” she said.
Shokane allegedly paid all expenses for the funeral.
“She gave our cousin a fitting send-off and everyone was appreciative of her generosity. When I heard of her arrest, I couldn’t believe it because over the years, we saw someone who cared about us,” said Mashabela.
Shokane’s sister-in-law, Elizabeth Koko, the elder sister of the accused’s current husband David Kutumela, said the family was unhappy with her decision to take in their mentally ill younger brother Navel.
“We tried to reason with David to call his wife to order but he never listened to us. We heard that this policewoman has taken an insurance policy on Navel and asked why she would do that because she is not even a recognised daughter-in-law. Now Navel is dead and we are no longer on speaking terms with David,” said Koko.
Navel was killed in April 2021.
“This woman has brought severe pain among families and brought shame to the police service. She deserves maximum sentence,” said Koko.
Sunday World has learnt from those with intimate knowledge of her life that Shokane owns a mansion at Cloe village in the Matlala area. Shokane is also said to own a fleet of luxury vehicles, which includes two Range Rovers, BMW 3 Series, Mercedes Benz C Class and a Toyota Land Cruiser, all allegedly paid for in cash.
On Thursday morning, her colleagues, led by Captain Keshi Mabunda, pounced on her and cuffed her as onlookers got a rare glimpse of a police officer being arrested in uniform at the Senwabarwana police station.
Mabunda is the same investigator who arrested the infamous Rosemary Ndlovu, who is serving six life sentences for murdering and orchestrating the murders of close relatives to cash in on insurance payouts.
Magistrate Rodgers Machovani deferred the matter to October 18 for profiling and bail application.
