FAMILIES and friends of a woman who was allegedly killed by her aunt ululated and rejoiced inside the Mmabatho Magistrates Court in Mahikeng, North West on Friday, January 19.
This was in response to the court's refusal to grant Agnes Segomotsi Setshwantsho, who is dubbed Rosemary 2.0, bail.
The 49-year-old Setshwantsho is accused of killing her relatives to profit from insurance claims.
She's facing a count of murder, three counts of fraud, and defeating the ends of justice.
Setshwantsho allegedly killed her niece Bonolo Modiseemang (30) who died in August 2023 after consuming a poisoned sandwich that she had given her. The court heard that Setshwantsho had a life policy on her behalf worth R3 million without her knowledge.
Bonolo’s mother, Brenda Matolo, said she was relieved that Setshwantsho was not granted bail.
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“I want to go and celebrate. I would like to ask her to pay me a tiny share of the money she obtained from insurance after killing my daughter. I'd like to celebrate on her behalf. She deserves more than just jail, but I will leave it in the hands of the Lord,” she said.
Charges against Setshwantsho include impersonating Bonolo to Outsurance, taking life cover policies for herself and Bonolo, and insuring Bonolo's younger sister for R2 million. Additionally, Setshwantsho is accused of conspiring with a medical doctor to falsely attribute Bonolo's death to natural causes.
Setshwantsho allegedly insured more than 40 people for life insurance policies, the majority of whom are her relatives.
Handing down the judgment, Magistrate Duane Spandiel emphasised the public outrage over Setshwantsho's alleged actions.
“This is not acceptable and should never be tolerated,” he said.
He considered the safety of the accused, the gravity of the offenses, and the potential life sentence she faces.
Despite citing Setshwantsho's medical condition, the court concluded that she is not a suitable candidate for bail.
The case was postponed to 28 March for further investigations.
