• The woman accused of killing her niece over a life policy claimed prison was not good for her health.
• Agnes Setshwantsho complained conditions were taking a toll on her health.
• She has brought a bail application and denied all charges against her.

The woman accused of killing her niece over a life policy has claimed prison is taking a toll on her health.

Segomotsi Agnes Setshwantsho, 49, told the packed Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court, during her bail application on Friday, her health was at risk.

Through her lawyer, Nhlanhla Mahlangu, Setshwantsho claimed she was a chronic patient suffering from hypertension and diabetes.

“My health condition requires particular medication. I haven’t taken my insulin since my arrest on 16 November. I must take my insulin jabs three times a day. Diabetes medication requires refrigeration at a specific temperature.

“However, I don’t think that at the police station cells I am kept, they can store my medication. My health is a cause of concern.

“The living conditions in police cells are not conducive to a person’s medical condition,” said Setshwantsho.

She claimed she was a suitable candidate for bail.

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Setshwantsho added she did not know who the State witnesses were and where they lived.

“I’m not familiar with witnesses. I will not intimidate and harass them. I don’t have the desire to harm the admin of justice.”

She promised not to interfere with the investigation nor influence or threaten witnesses.

Setshwantsho denied the allegations against her and intended to plead not guilty during the trial.

“I have disclosed to the investigating officer, Sergeant [Kheshi] Mabunda, that I know nothing about the charges against me.

“I was arrested in Centurion and detained in Garsfonfein. This bail application is urgent.

“I ask the court to permit my release. I’m convinced that exceptional circumstances exist for my release. I’m not a flight risk. The State’s case is circumstantial. My lawyer found difficulties in consulting with me.”

Setshwantsho said Mahlangu was forced to wait for two hours by the station commander of the police station where she was held before they consulted.

She later confessed she was convicted and sentenced to a fine in the year 2000 for a case of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Setshwantsho also disclosed after her first appearance on 19 November, she was arrested and taken to the Setlagole Magistrate’s Court.

She is expected to appear in court on 1 December for a bail hearing.

Prosecutor advocate Ntendeleni Tshinyani said Setshwantsho was facing serious charges.

“The State will indicate that she is a flight risk and has been evading arrest. There is a solid case against the applicant. She must convince the court to grant her bail,” added Tshinyani.

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Setshwantsho faces a charge of murder, two counts of fraud and one of defeating the ends of justice.

It is alleged she killed her niece, Bonolo Modiseemang, on 14 August 2022 after she fraudulently obtained a life cover policy worth millions of rand.

According to Modiseemang’s husband, Tebogo Modiseemang, she was given a sandwich by Setshwantsho that allegedly killed her.

Her body was exhumed a few weeks ago, and preliminary results revealed she was poisoned.

The police are also investigating the deaths of Setshwantsho’s husband, son and two daughters.

The hearing continues on 6 December.