Molopo, South Africa – Agnes Setshwantsho, a 49-year-old woman, appeared in court today following her arrest on charges of orchestrating the deaths of her relatives to cash in on insurance policies. The accused, who is accused of murdering her husband, son, and two daughters, has been charged with murder, fraud, and defeating the ends of justice.
The arrest of Setshwantsho followed a two-month intelligence investigation conducted by the South African Police Service (SAPS), with Sergeant Keshi Mabunda, known for his involvement in the conviction of serial killer Rosemary Ndlovu, as part of the investigative team. The investigation was initiated after family members raised suspicions regarding the deaths.
According to the SAPS spokesperson, investigations revealed that Setshwantsho had fraudulently taken out insurance policies on behalf of her relatives before their deaths. In one instance, a forensic team was able to link the suspect to the murder of a female relative in Mmabatho, North West, which had originally been ruled a “natural death.”
Authorities discovered that Setshwantsho had allegedly pocketed substantial sums of money through her fraudulent schemes. As a result, the SAPS is urging insurance companies and families to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the Crime Stop hotline or their nearest police station.
Setshwantsho, who was apprehended in Centurion, remains in custody and will appear in court again on Friday for a bail hearing. As the investigation continues, additional charges may be brought against the accused.
This case draws similarities to that of Rosemary Ndlovu, a former police officer convicted of killing six relatives between 2012 and 2018. The authorities plan to oppose bail for Setshwantsho, highlighting the seriousness of the allegations and the potential danger posed by her release.