The Molopo Magistrate’s Court has postponed the case against a woman accused of murdering family members for insurance money.

Agnes Setshwantsho faces a murder charge, two fraud charges, and one of defeating the ends of justice. She reappeared in court on Wednesday (13/12) when her case was postponed to next Wednesday (20/12) for a continuation of her bail hearing.

Investigating officer Kheshi Mabunda continued with his testimony, providing the court with reasons for opposing bail, said North West NPA spokesperson Henry Mamothame.

“Amongst others, he testified on the false address provided by the accused when she was profiled. The same address was discovered to be provided to the insurance companies she is registered with.

“He further testified on the availability of storage facilities to keep preserving the accused’s chronic medication, dispelling her allegation that such facilities are not available.”

‘She’s alleged to be the beneficiary of 58 separate insurance policies’

Mabunda was cross-examined by the accused’s attorney and the state intends to call witnesses to the stand during Setshwantsho’s next court appearance. She’s alleged to be the beneficiary of 58 separate insurance policies through members of her extended family.

She was arrested on 16 November after being tracked down in Centurion during a takedown operation led by the SAPS in collaboration and with the full cooperation of an insurance company. She allegedly murdered her relatives to benefit from insurance claims.

“The SAPS further reported that in the past two months, Sergeant Keshi Mabunda and a team of detectives have been working on the case following a tip-off from relatives of the suspect. Through analysis and collection of evidence, including the exhumation of a body, the team was able to link its latest suspect to the team’s first focus of the case,” said Mamothame.

He said a police report revealed the murder was initially ruled as a “natural death” which happened in Mmabatho, North West, where a female relative died under mysterious circumstances in March. Investigations revealed the suspect fraudulently took out insurance on behalf of her relative before her murder.

Mamothame said investigations are being conducted with the possibility of adding more charges against the accused.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi  dg