A 53-year-old man, Leshweng Johannes Shokane, has been remanded in custody after appearing in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court in connection with a string of alleged insurance-related murders spanning nearly a decade.
According to Limpopo NPA spokesperson Mashudu Malabi, Shokane allegedly committed the crimes between 2013 and 2022. He was arrested on Wednesday and is the brother of former police officer Rachel Raesetsa Shokane Kutumela and Annah Shokane, as well as the uncle of Madjadji Flora Shokane, all from Moletjie Makgofe outside Polokwane.
Charges and Allegations
Shokane faces nine counts of murder, money laundering, receiving proceeds of unlawful activities, and defeating the ends of justice. Malabi confirmed that he will remain in custody pending a bail hearing on 18 November.
Investigators allege that Shokane benefited from fraudulent life and funeral insurance claims submitted by his relatives, Rachel and Annah, on behalf of several victims. The accused allegedly received payouts totaling about R10 million following the victims’ deaths.
The payouts reportedly came from several financial institutions, including Absa, Standard Bank, Capitec, Hollard, Assupol, Old Mutual, OneLife, and Clientele.
Malabi said the state alleges that the proceeds were shared among the accused, including Johannes. The prosecution has applied to have Shokane joined in the main case involving Rachel, Annah, and Madjadji.
Their trial has been transferred to the Polokwane High Court, where proceedings are expected to run from 5–30 October 2026. All four accused remain in custody pending the outcome of their cases.
