By: Sello Theletsane
The Molopo Magistrates’ Court postponed the case against a woman accused of murder and insurance fraud.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Henry Mamothame said the case against Agnes Setshwantsho was postponed to 24 November 2023, for a formal bail application.
“The accused is facing a charge of murder, two of fraud and one of defeating the ends of justice.”
Mamothame said police reported that on 16 November 2023, an intelligence operation led to the arrest of the accused on suspicion that she murdered her relatives to benefit from insurance claims.
“The suspect was traced and arrested in Centurion during a takedown operation led by the SAPS in collaboration and full cooperation with an insurance company.”
Mamothame said police further reported that in the past two months, Sergeant Keshi Mabunda, who led an investigation that led to the conviction of another insurance serial killer Rosemary Ndlovu, and a team of detectives had been working on the case following a tip-off from relatives of this suspect.
Mamothame said through analysis and collection of evidence including the exhumation of a body, the team was able to link Setshwantsho to the team’s first focus of the case.
“According to the police report, the murder that was initially ruled a “natural death” happened in Mmabatho, in the North West, where a female relative died under mysterious circumstances in March 2023.’
Mamothame said investigations have since revealed that Setshwantsho fraudulently took out insurance on behalf of her relative before her murder.
He said police were conducting further investigations, with the possibility of adding more charges against her.
He said Setshwantsho would remain in police custody until her next court appearance.
