Picture: A woman accused of murder and fraud, Agnes Segomotsi Setswantsho
By OBAKENG MAJE
A murder and fraud case against Agnes Segomotsi Setshwantsho (49) has been postponed by the Molopo Magistrate’s Court to 6 December 2023 for a further bail hearing. Sesthwantsho’s defense attorney, read an affidavit on her behalf, stating reasons why she should be granted bail.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said, the state is expected to call on the investigating officer to take a stand in opposing bail when the matter sits. Mamothame further said 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, near Pretoria during a takedown operation led by the police in collaboration and full cooperation with an insurance company. The police 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,” he said.
Mamothame added that, through analysis and collection of evidence including the exhumation of a body, the police were able to link its latest suspect to the team’s first focus of the case. He said 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 murder. The 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,” said Mamothame.
The Guardian 