MOLOPO -The Molopo Magistrates Court in the North West province upheld its decision to deny bail to Agnes Segomotsi Setshwantsho, the woman accused of allegedly killing relatives to claim millions of rand in life insurance payouts. Her bail application was turned down yesterday, Thursday, 26 March -extending her stay in custody since her arrest in November 2023.
Sivenathi Gunya, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) of South Africa in North West, said the state opposed Setshwantsho’s application based on new facts. The state opposed the accused’s application, considering evidence before the court and testimony of the investigating officer who was called to testify.
“In her recent application based on alleged new facts, submitted by way of an affidavit through her legal representative, the accused cited strong family ties, a fixed address, the circumstantial nature of the state’s case, and limited financial means. The defence further argued that she could be released on strict bail conditions to ensure her attendance at trial. However, the investigating officer’s evidence confirmed that no new facts had been presented before the court,” said Gunya.
Further opposing the application, he said the state prosecutor, Advocate Kgalalelo Molefe, submitted that while the accused was pursuing her bail application, she was allegedly involved in a conspiracy to have the investigating officer and other witnesses killed. “The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting victims of crime and ensuring that justice is served,” said Gunya.
Setshwantsho’s initial bail application was denied in February 2024 and the state successfully opposed her release. Gunya said the court found the accused to be a flight risk. The matter is scheduled to proceed to trial in the North West High Court in Mahikeng from 13 to 17 July 2024. The woman faces two counts of murder, two counts of fraud, and one count of defeating the ends of justice.
Setshwantsho is accused of opening fraudulent life insurance policies for over 40 family members and close acquaintances, with herself as the beneficiary. Victims killed for insurance payouts include her niece, Bonolo Modiseemang (30), who died in March 2023, and her son, Kutlo Setshwantsho (19), who died in July 2023, allegedly by poisoning. The accused’s husband, Justice Setshwantsho, who passed away in 2015, had his body exhumed for an autopsy following suspicions raised by his family.
Setshwantsho was arrested in Centurion in November 2023 after family members alerted police, who then collaboratedwith insurance firms to catch her before she could claim over R3 million for her niece’s death and R6 million for her son’s.
