A South African police sergeant appeared in court on Friday facing charges of murdering six people to claim insurance payouts worth millions of rands.
The 43-year-old woman, Rachel Kutumela, was arrested Thursday after being accused of targeting vulnerable individuals, including people with disabilities, and taking out life insurance policies on their behalf.
According to prosecutors, the killings began in 2019, with the victims’ bodies being found in various locations, including a dam and a burnt shack.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) alleges that Kutumela claimed at least 10 million rand from funeral cost insurance and life policies.
The case has drawn parallels to a similar incident in 2021, where another former police officer was sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering five relatives and a boyfriend for insurance benefits.
As the investigation continues, authorities anticipate more arrests in connection with Kutumela’s alleged crimes.