Overview
- Police arrested a 54-year-old man, the brother of the former police sergeant accused in the case, in Moletji near Polokwane on Tuesday morning.
- The new suspect is expected to appear in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday on charges of murder, fraud and money laundering.
- Authorities have moved the matter to the High Court in Polokwane, with a trial scheduled for October 2026.
- The original trio — ex-sergeant Rachel Kutumela, her sister Anna Shokane and daughter Flora — remain in custody after bail was denied over likely witness interference and they face 32 counts including murder, fraud and defeating the ends of justice.
- Investigators allege the family profited from life and funeral policies after nine deaths, with payouts circulated among relatives once claims were paid.