A 43-year-old South African policewoman appeared in court on Friday, facing allegations of murdering six people for insurance payouts.
The murders reportedly began in 2019, totaling over 10 million rand, equivalent to approximately $570,000.
Rachel Kutumela stood in the dock at a court in Polokwane, located about 300 kilometers northeast of Johannesburg.
Initially, her face was obscured by a hoodie and mask until the court ordered her to reveal herself.
Police arrested Kutumela on Thursday while she was on duty at a station in Senwabarwana, a small town around 90 kilometers from Polokwane.
The police released a statement outlining the details of her arrest.
The statement indicated that Kutumela’s victims were known to her and came from destitute and disadvantaged backgrounds.
Some of the victims were reported to be disabled or mentally challenged, highlighting the tragic circumstances surrounding the case.
Kutumela is accused of orchestrating six murders to claim substantial insurance payouts. These included funeral cost insurance and life policies she had taken out on behalf of her victims.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) provided further insight into the timeline of the incidents.
According to the NPA, the first of the insured persons was found dead in 2019, with their bodies dumped in various locations.
One victim, a disabled man, was discovered in a dam, while the body of a woman was found burned in a shack.
“This is a premeditated case,” stated NPA provincial spokeswoman Mashudu Malabi Dzhangi outside the court.
The court has postponed the case until October 18 for a bail hearing.
