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The bail application of Rachel Kutumela, her sister and daughter at the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court in Limpopo on July 24, 2025.
A senior education official is reported to be among the five people arrested in the case of former police sergeant Rachel Kutumela.
One suspect was arrested in Sebokeng, Gauteng, on Monday. The rest, including two brothers and a sangoma, were arrested in Polokwane on Tuesday morning.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) says more arrests are imminent.
Kutumela is accused of killing vulnerable people for insurance payouts. She was arrested in October 2024.
Kutumela and three others, including her sister, daughter and elder brother, are still in custody.
National Police Spokesperson Athlenda Mathe says, “We are executing seven warrants of arrest in relation to a R 10 million insurance murder for payout scheme today in Limpopo. Captain (Keshi) Mabunda is leading this particular operation.”
Mathe says, “The arrests are linked to former police sergeant Rachel Kutumela. All suspects are believed to have taken out life and funeral policies on 10 people who were later murdered.”
#sapsHQ [LIMPOPO TAKEDOWN] Police are executing seven warrant of arrests in relation to a R10 million insurance murder for payout scheme today in Limpopo.
The arrests are linked to former police Sergeant Rachel Kutumela. All suspects are believed to have taken out life and… pic.twitter.com/W3uUXg4NWY
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) March 10, 2026
