Mahikeng (Mafikeng) – The woman accused of bumping off a relative as part of a deadly insurance scam is being held in police custody after her bail hearing was postponed by the Molopo Magistrate’s Court.
Murder and fraud accused Agnes Setshwantsho was in the dock on Friday, where her matter was postponed to 6 December 2023.
During the accused’s appearance, her attorney read an affidavit on her behalf, stating reasons why she should be granted bail.
However, the matter was adjourned.
The state is expected to call on the investigating officer to take a stand in opposing bail when the matter resumes next month.
Setshwantsho is facing a charge of murder, two of fraud, and one of defeating the ends of justice.
The South African Police (SAPS) 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.
National Prosecuting Authority North West Spokesperson Henry Mamothamehe said: “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 this suspect”.
Mamothamehe said 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.
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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.
“Investigations have revealed that the suspect fraudulently took out insurance on behalf of her relative before her death,” Mamothamehe said.
“Police are conducting further investigations, with the possibility of adding more charges against the accused.
“Meanwhile, the accused will remain in police custody pending the outcome of the bail application.”
