The Hawks in North West have initiated another investigation in a case of a woman charged with murder and insurance fraud after one of the witnesses received death threats from the accused.

Agnes Setshwantsho is facing a charge of murder, two of fraud, and one of defeating the ends of justice. Her case in the Molopo Magistrate's Court was yesterday postponed to 11 January 2024 for a further bail hearing.

‘The second witness received death threats’

NPA spokesperson, Henry Mamothame, said the state is expected to re-examine Kheshi Mabunda, after the defence attorney completed its cross-examination on Wednesday 20 December 2023. The state is also expected to call on its second witness from the correctional facility where the accused is detained. Mamothame said they heard the second witness received death threats from the accused.

Setshwantsho is 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 an operation led by the SAPS in collaboration with an insurance company. She allegedly murdered her relatives to benefit from insurance claims.

The murder was initially ruled a “natural death” and was committed in Mmabatho in North West. The female relative of Setshwantsho died under mysterious circumstances in March 2023. Investigations were conducted and it emerged that the suspect fraudulently took out insurance on behalf of her relative before her murder. Mamothame said police are conducting further investigations with the possibility of adding more charges. Setshwantsho has remained in police custody.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg