S’African Policewoman Charged For Killing Six For Insurance Payouts

A South African policewoman, Rachel Kutumela, has been arrested and charged with murdering six people to collect insurance payouts worth around $570,000.

“The victims were known to her and were from destitute and disadvantaged backgrounds, and some were disabled or mentally challenged,” police said in a statement.

Kutumela, a 43-year-old sergeant, was arrested on Thursday at a police station in Senwabarwana, about 90 km from Polokwane, while on duty.

She appeared in court with her face entirely covered by a hoodie and mask until the court ordered her to show herself.

Kutumela is accused of six murders and claiming at least 10 million rand ($570,000) from funeral cost insurance and life policies she took out on behalf of her victims.

“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.

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One victim’s body, a disabled man, was recovered from a dam, while a woman was discovered burnt to death in a shack.

“This is a premeditated case,” NPA provincial spokeswoman Mashudu Malabi Dzhangi told local broadcaster ENCA outside the court.

Prosecutors expect more arrests. The case was postponed to October 18 for a bail hearing.

This case bears resemblance to another high-profile case in 2021, where former police officer Rosemary Ndlovu was sentenced to life in prison for murdering five relatives and a boyfriend to collect insurance claims.