* Editor's note: This article is updated each time new information becomes available.
POLOKWANE - The seventh suspect linked to a string of insurance-related murders in Polokwane has handed himself over to police.
Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said Rachel Kutumela’s other brother, Robbert Shokane, will appear in the Polokwane magistrate's court on Friday.
Six other suspects have appeared in court, facing charges of murder and fraud linked to a R10-million insurance fraud syndicate.
According to police investigations, some of the nine victims were burned, others strangled, and one was stabbed.
The alleged mastermind is former police sergeant Rachel Kutumela.
She was arrested in October 2024 along with her sister and daughter. Her brother was arrested in October last year.
Six additional suspects, including Kutumela’s husband, made a brief appearance in the Polokwane magistrate’s court following their arrest on Tuesday.
READ: SAPS warns: Insurance scams turning deadly 'for the love of money'
Police say they are also investigating additional murder cases linked to the fraud scheme.
Currently, the accused face 47 charges, including nine counts of murder.
Defence lawyer Moses Manthata says the accused are first-time offenders.
“Being first offenders means they do not have any previous criminal cases against them. The possibility of them being granted bail is therefore available,” he said.
All six suspects remain in custody until their next court appearance on 25 March.
- eNCA’s Bafedile Moerane reports.