A massive police crackdown is under way in Limpopo as authorities move to dismantle what they describe as a R10 million insurance murder syndicate allegedly linked to former SAPS sergeant Rachel Kutumela.
Police believe the group took out life and funeral policies on at least 10 people who were later murdered so the suspects could cash in on the payouts.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said officers were executing multiple arrest warrants as part of the operation on Tuesday morning.
“All suspects are believed to have taken out life and funeral policies on 10 people who were later murdered. Three arrests have been made this morning.”
Mathe added that the suspects arrested include two brothers and a sangoma, while more arrests are expected as the operation continues.
Kutumela, a former police sergeant based in Limpopo, was arrested in October 2024 while on duty and has since been dismissed from the South African Police Service.
The 34-year-old faces 19 charges, including six counts of murder and 12 counts of fraud and defeating the ends of justice, in what authorities describe as an elaborate murder-for-insurance scheme worth about R10 million.
Investigators allege the killings began in 2019, with victims, many from destitute or vulnerable backgrounds, including some who were disabled or mentally challenged, being insured before they were later found dead in separate incidents.
Prosecutors said Kutumela fraudulently took out life and funeral insurance policies on the victims and claimed payouts from several insurers, while police believe the murders were premeditated and carefully orchestrated.
Kutumela remains in custody alongside three relatives, her sister, daughter and elder brother, as investigations continue, with authorities warning that more arrests are imminent.
The Star
