The 54-year-old man, believed to be the brother of the main accused, former police sergeant Rachel Kutumela, was apprehended on Tuesday morning around 11 a.m. in Molejie outside Seshego, police confirmed.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the suspect faces charges of murder, fraud, and money laundering. He is expected to appear in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.
Kutumela, together with her sister, Anna Shokane (47), and daughter, Florah Shokane (23), was previously arrested and charged with orchestrating the murder to cash in on a R10 million life insurance policy.
The three women remain in custody after being denied bail, and their case has since been transferred to the Polokwane High Court for trial.
While police have not yet revealed the newly arrested suspect’s precise role in the alleged scheme, sources close to the investigation suggest he may have helped conceal evidence and facilitated financial transactions linked to the insurance payout.
The case has sparked public outrage, not only because of the family connections, but also due to claims that a former police officer used her law enforcement knowledge to plan and cover up the murder.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed the latest arrest, emphasising that the probe remains active.
“The investigation continues,” said Mathe. “We are committed to ensuring that everyone involved faces the full might of the law.”
