JUST IN: Accused dies before R10m trial

Share current article via FacebookShare current article via PinterestShare current article via WhatsAppShare current article via TwitterShare current article via LinkedInNewsJUST IN: Accused dies before R10m trialBy: Mankaleme Thema • 2h agoAdd as a preferred source on GoogleFollow on Google NewsListen to this article-00:00lead-art-block.fullscreen-enterExpandAccused number six in the R10 million insurance murder case, William Shokane, appeared in court in a wheelchair and looked sickly as he was pushed into the courtroom by police officers. (Mankaleme Thema) Death of accused delays start of high-profile insurance murder trialThe accused, Johannes Shokane (53), Thomas Shokane (50), Robert Shokane (41), David Kutumela (52), Damaris Selepe (38), Bernictor Mataba (38), and Iris Reuter (58), face 47 charges, including nine counts of murder (Mankaleme Thema) ONE of the 11 accused in the R10 million insurance murder case has died before the trial could begin.

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State prosecutor Advocate David Sebelebele told the Polokwane High Court on Monday, 5 October, that accused number six, William, died on 19 September.

His death means only 10 accused remain in the case. The news came as the long-awaited trial was due to get underway.

William was last in the Polokwane Magistrates Court on 18 August, where he appeared in a wheelchair.

His lawyer, Mashudu Kwinda, told the court that William was suffering from an airborne disease.

Alleged mastermind Rachel Shokane, who the state accused of orchestrating the killings of at least nine people for insurance money, appeared in court with her sister, Anna Shokane, and daughter Flora.

Rachel’s brothers Johannes Shokane, Robert and Thomas, as well as her husband, David Kutumela, were also in the dock.

Three other accused who are out on bail – Damaris Selepe, Iris Ruiters and Benedictor Mataba – were also in court.

The courtroom was packed with relatives of the deceased as the accused appeared before Judge Francis Kganyago.

Security was tight, with investigating officer Captain Keshi Mabunda also in court.

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Legal Aid lawyer Desmond Nonyane, who represents Rachel, Anna, Robert, Thomas, Damaris and Benedictor, told the court he had encountered a conflict of interest while consulting his clients.

He asked for the matter to be postponed, to allow the issue to be dealt with through the judicare process.

Lawyer Michael Maiwashe, who represents David, Flora and Johannes, did not oppose the postponement.

Judge Kganyago granted the application but warned that there would be no more postponements.

The matter was postponed to 29 October for the judicare process to be addressed.

The state alleged the accused were part of an insurance fraud scheme in which at least 10 people, including family members, were allegedly killed between 2013 and 2024 for insurance payouts.

They face 54 charges, including nine counts of murder, fraud, money laundering, receiving proceeds of illegal activities, and defeating the ends of justice.

South African multimedia journalist covering crime, courts, politics, health, education and community affairs. Holds institutions accountable while amplifying ordinary voices. Committed to ethical reporting that informs, educates and empowers communities across print, digital and broadcast.

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