South African Officer Charged with Six Murders

Rachel Kutumela, a 43-year-old South African police sergeant, appeared in court facing allegations of murdering six individuals to claim over 10 million rand ($570,000) in insurance payouts since 2019. The victims, who were known to her and included disabled and disadvantaged individuals, were reportedly insured without their knowledge, with Kutumela named as the sole beneficiary. The National Prosecuting Authority described the case as premeditated, with bodies discovered in various locations, including a dam and burned in a shack. Following her arrest at the Senwabarwana police station, authorities expect more arrests as investigations continue, especially after insurance companies flagged suspicious payouts linked to her. National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola condemned the actions of Kutumela, highlighting the betrayal of trust inherent in her position. The case has drawn comparisons to a prior case involving former officer Rosemary Ndlovu, who was sentenced for similar crimes.