Segomotsi Agnes Setshwantsho is facing serious charges after being accused of orchestrating the deaths of several family members in order to collect life insurance payouts. The case, involving allegations of murder and fraud, has been moved to the North West High Court in Mahikeng for a pre-trial hearing scheduled for July 22.
Setshwantsho, who allegedly poisoned her niece to collect over R3 million from an insurance policy, is charged with murder, two counts of fraud, and one count of defeating the ends of justice. Her arrest in November 2023 followed an investigation triggered by suspicions raised by family members.
Following a take-down operation led by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in collaboration with an insurance company, Setshwantsho was apprehended in Centurion. She has been in custody since her arrest after the Molopo Magistrate’s Court denied her bail in January 2024.
Prosecutor Jessica Molefe confirmed in court that the prosecution is ready to proceed with the trial, having received approval from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
According to SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, Sergeant Keshi Mabunda and a team of detectives launched the investigation after receiving a tip-off from Setshwantsho’s relatives. Mabunda, known for his expertise in solving similar cases, spearheaded the investigation.
The evidence presented in court reveals that Setshwantsho insured at least 40 of her extended family members with policies from five different insurance companies. Some reports suggest she may have benefitted from up to 58 separate insurance policies over the years.
One key factor in the decision to deny her bail was the fact that Setshwantsho was reportedly the last person seen with her son, who had been insured for R6 million. Records also show that she purchased burgers for them while traveling from Cape Town during the July holidays.
In addition to the poisoning of her niece, police are investigating the deaths of Setshwantsho’s husband, two daughters, and son, as they suspect foul play in these cases as well. The investigation continues as authorities work to uncover the full extent of Setshwantsho’s alleged crimes.
