Alleged serial killer Dube case postponed in Seshego

Alleged serial killer Dube case postponed in Seshego

The alleged Seshego serial killer, Themba Prince Willards Dube (36), a Zimbabwean national appeared at the Magistrates’ Court for allegedly killing seven women. He faces charges of seven counts of kidnapping, seven counts of murder and a count of illegal immigration.

Dube was initially arrested on 03 November 2021, for possession of a suspected stolen cellphone that belonged to a woman who was allegedly kidnapped in Lebowakgomo in October 2021. Dube appeared in Seshego Magistrates’ Court, Limpopo on 05 November 2021, on a charge of robbery and kidnapping.

SESHEGO SERIAL KILLER IN CUSTODY

The accused was in custody when the investigations led to the discovery of seven bodies of women dumped at different locations in the Seshego, Polokwane, Mankweng and Westenburg policing areas. It is alleged that he would lure women and promise them jobs.

VICTIMS NAMED

The following victims have been positively identified by their next of kin:

  1. Sarah Moitswadi Mathiba (42), was reportedly kidnapped at Lebowakgomo.
  2. Moleboheng Mothibeli (34), a Lesotho national was also reported missing in Polokwane in October 2021.
  3. Eva Khomotso Makhura (41), was reported missing at Seshego
  4. Mpho Sanah Sinyatsi (34), was reported missing from Luthuli Park Extension 9L under the Seshego policing area.
  5. Andrea Cholo (25), was reported to have been kidnapped at Seshego in September 2021.
  6. Chisimango Gumbo (48), a Zimbabwean national who was reported missing at Seshego in August 2021.
  7. Jane Letswalo’s (42), remains were also found next to Peter Mokaba stadium

The matter is postponed to 12 April 2022, to obtain DNA results and for further investigations.

Limpopo awards the best Taxi drivers in the Province

Limpopo awards the best Taxi drivers in the Province

The department of Transport and Community Safety in Limpopo expedited a successful annual Driver Of The Year (DOTY) Competition at Bolivia Lodge, Polokwane on Saturday, 26 February 2022.

The previous annual DOTY competitions included various vehicle categories. However, the scope for 2021/2022 DOTY was limited to the taxi industry only, in adherence to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.

The department glanced at the impact that the taxi industry has on the roads, the communities and the economy, hence the Taxi Driver of The Year Competition.

DRIVER OF THE YEAR COMPETITION

The competition started at District level where drivers attended Driver Education Sessions, underwent Driving Tests and competed, leading to the Provincial competition where 7 winners each from 5 districts in Limpopo competed for prizes.

MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya delivered a keynote address during a formal award ceremony.

She then together with the acting HOD led a panel of stakeholders from SANTACO, Halfway TOYOTA, RTMC and Coca Cola in apportioning prizes to winners of the day.

Limpopo awards the best Taxi drivers in the Province
Driver of the year awards

Winners:

  • FEMALE CATEGORY
    1 – Lebese M.E. Waterberg district

2 – Ramphekoa M.D. Capricorn District

3 – Ndlovu T. S.
Mopani District

  • MALE CATEGORY
    1 – Mathode M.G.M. Vhembe District

2 – Mathabatha C. Capricorn District

3 – Mmopane D. Sekhukhune District

  • Mathode M.G.M. was the over all winner for both categories combined.

“We should mark today as an evening like no other, where we are sitting as a taxi industry family, appreciating good work. It humbles me to see women taxi drivers.” said MEC Lerule-Ramakhanya.

The MEC congratulated and stimulated the winners to keep up the good work and pleaded with the taxi industry to deal with differences in their operations before they start affecting commuters and the Taxi business which plays a significant role in the economy of the province and the country as a whole.

Six People died in a head-on collision in Lephalale

Six People died in a head-on collision in Lephalale

Six people were killed in a head-on collision between an Isuzu loading van and a Ford Sedan on the R518 road in Lephalale in Waterberg District last night.

It is alleged that the driver of the Sedan travelling from Lephalale to Shongwani lost control of the vehicle. It collided head-on with the Isuzu Van.

Five occupants in the Sedan, including the driver were killed on impact. The driver of the loading van was also certified dead on the scene. Two passengers who escaped with serious injuries were rushed to the hospital.

LEPHALALE HEAD-ON COLLISION

The Department has also recorded three fatal accidents in Mopani District between Friday and Saturday.

The first incident was reported at Khashani village where a seven year old boy was hit by a car outside the school premises.

It is alleged that the operator of a scholar transport vehicle reversed into the child. He was crossing the road and killed him instantly.

The other two accidents were reported in the Tzaneen area on R71 At Makgobaskloof. A 36-year-old male was hit by a Suzuki Sedan while crossing the road. The other accident was reported on the R36 road at Mokgolobotho where a male pedestrian was hit by a Kia Sedan when crossing the road.

MEC SENDS HER CONDOLENCES

Limpopo Transport and Community Safety MEC, Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya has sent her heartfelt condolences to the families that lost their loved ones this weekend. The MEC is calling on pedestrians to ensure that they use designated crossing points. They must also avoid walking next to busy roads, especially in the evening.

Shock as Riky Rick takes his own life

Shock as Riky Rick takes his own life

Award-winning hip-hop artist Ricky Rick has died. Details of his untimely death are still foggy but Sunday World has learned that the accomplished musician, whose real name is Rikhado Muziwendlovu Makhado, allegedly took his own life at his estate home in the north of Johannesburg this morning.

Several sources who spoke to Sunday World alleged that the muso hung himself with a rope. He was suffering from severe depression. Another source close to the situation alleged that the artist was found by his management team at his house at about 8.30 am today. They rushed him to a nearby hospital as he was still alive.

RIKY RICK HAS DIED 

“Unfortunately he died when they were en route to the hospital,” said a source who did not want to be named.

Another source confirmed the death which has robbed Mzansi of another talented musician in the Ungazincishi hitmaker. “ It’s sad, I am heartbroken, South Africa is poorer without this talented muso,” said the source.

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Riky Rick, 32, was the founder and owner of record label Cotton Club Records. He was well known for fashion and setting trends.

He managed to establish himself as one of the most popular figures in South Africa’s entertainment scene. Makhado had so much presence in different places, and he is known by several other names including Boss Zonke, Master Makhado and Minister of Energy and King Kotini.

MUSICAL BACKGROUND 

Riky Rick has an interesting background. He was raised mainly by his maternal grandmother because he did not get the chance to grow up with his parents. They divorced when he was only a baby. After that, his dad relocated to Johannesburg, and his mother studied in SA as well as the United Kingdom.

Rikhado was married to Bianca Naidoo. His untimely death comes just days after he announced a partnership deal with African Bank.

SOURCE: Sunday World

Nine suspects nabbed in Mokopane and Mankweng for dealing with drugs

Nine suspects nabbed in Mokopane and Mankweng for dealing with drugs

Nine suspects aged between 23 and 42 were arrested yesterday, on Tuesday 22 February 2022 in Mankweng and Mokopane policing precincts. This is for various crimes including dealing in and possession of drugs, illicit cigarettes and dangerous weapons.

The police in Mankweng outside Polokwane received information from members of the community about the suspects who were in possession of drugs at Mentz village, Ga-Mamabolo.

NINE SUSPECTS NABBED FOR DRUGS

The information was operationalised. On arrival at the identified area, Police arrested three suspects aged between 23 and 37. They were allegedly found in possession of Crystal Myth and Nyaope drugs. They were worth an estimated street value of R15 000.00. Another suspect who was found in possession of a dangerous weapon.

In another incident at Unit A, Mankweng, the Police arrested four foreign nationals. They were found in possession of illicit cigarettes worth R50 000.00.

In a separate incident, members of the Provincial Organised Crime Unit together with Crime Intelligence nabbed two suspects for allegedly dealing in drugs during an intelligence driven operation that was conducted in the Waterberg District, in Mokopane residential areas.

FOREIGN NATIONALS AMONGST THOSE ARRESTED

A 40-year-old foreign national was also arrested for allegedly dealing in drugs in Mokopane at Menkies street. Police received a tip-off about the suspect who was dealing in drugs. They immediately commenced with investigations which resulted in his arrest.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Major General Jan Scheepers has commended the members for the apprehension of these suspects. He also thanked community members for continuously assisting the Police in the fight against crime.

The arrested suspects are expected to appear before Mankweng and Mokopane Magistrate’s court soon.

Suspect fatally wounded during shootout with Police in Musina

Suspect fatally wounded during shootout with Police in Musina

A 31-year-old suspect was this afternoon, wounded during the alleged shootout with the Police in Musina. The incident took place at about 13:00 at Mmatswale in Limpopo.

The Police received information about the believably dangerous suspect. Together with his companions, were allegedly terrorising the community around Musina with armed robberies and other serious crimes.

SHOOTOUT IN MUSINA TOWN

A dedicated team of local members was assembled and conducted a snap search operation at the identified location. The members succeeded in apprehending the suspect.

Suspect fatally wounded during a shootout with Police in Musina
Shootout involving Police in Musina

Further probe led the members to the suspect’s alleged accomplices in the area and on arrival, the suspect allegedly started shooting at the members who returned fire, fatally wounding him.

ZIMBABWEAN NATIONAL WOUNDED

He was identified as Prince Dube from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. The Police recovered five illegal firearms – two pistols, two 303 rifles and one pellet gun during the operation.

The firearms will be subjected to ballistic examination to determine if they were used in other serious crimes.
Cases of murder attempted murder and possession of illegal firearms have been opened. The suspect might be linked with other serious crimes as police investigations are ongoing.

Vehicles worth four million recovered, 2000 suspects arrested

Vehicles worth four million recovered, 2000 suspects arrested

Vehicles worth four million were recovered and 2000 suspects were arrested during a Police operation in Limpopo. 

The well-coordinated operations were conducted in Malamulele and Saselamani policing precincts in the Vhembe District. It led to the recovery of ten (10) Toyota Hilux bakkies that were reported stolen at Midrand in Gauteng Province.

OVER 2000 SUSPECTS ARRESTED

These were part of the operations that were conducted across the Province from Sunday, 13 February to Monday 21 February 2022 and have yielded results following the arrest of a total of 2567 suspects aged between 21 and 58.

The recovered motor vehicles were allegedly rented by two suspects from Companies based in Midrand and later sold to unsuspecting victims across the province. An intelligence joint operation was conducted which resulted in the recoveries and seizures of the said vehicles at various residences. The hunt for the responsible suspects is continuing.

A silver grey Mercedes Benz that was allegedly robbed during a house robbery in Seshego outside Polokwane, was also recovered within hours after the incident.

EXPENSIVE VEHICLES ALSO RECOVERED 

The team that was involved in these recoveries included members of the Vehicle Identification Service, Crime Intelligence Unit and a Tracking Company. The Mercedes Benz was recovered during Operation “Save a life”.

In other operations, three foreign nationals aged between 24 and 43 were arrested by the Makhado Police. They were in possession of illicit cigarettes while conducting crime prevention duties along N1 North.

Police spotted three suspicious Toyota Quantum minibuses. They tried to stop them but they sped off and a car chase ensued until the suspects were cornered.

One of the minibuses managed to speed off. But the other two minibuses were found loaded with a total of 103 master boxes of Remington Gold Cigarettes with an estimated street value of R1,1 million. The two vehicles were confiscated together with the illicit cigarettes.

The suspects arrested during these operations are facing various charges. It include possession of illicit cigarettes, murder, robberies, rape, theft of motor vehicle. Possession of suspected stolen property, possession and dealing in drugs, stock theft and illegal possession of firearm and ammunition.

Police managed to seize 830 450 counterfeit cigarettes sticks, 31 dangerous weapons, 330grams of dagga. 81 dagga plants,13 grams of nyaope drugs, 4 firearms, 1 116 112ml liquor, 27 Knives and 15 stolen/robbed vehicles.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Major General Jan Scheepers has applauded the determination and hard work displayed by the men and women in blue in ensuring that the citizens of this province are safe and protected against criminals.

PMC shines with 153 study bursaries awarded to local students

PMC shines with 153 study bursaries awarded to local students

On Friday 18 February 2022, PMC hosted a bursary award signing ceremony at Cajori Hotel in Phalaborwa. Palabora remains alert to COVID-19 and to ensure compliance, attendance was limited to one family member of each bursary recipient to comply with the conditions at the venue and the bursars themselves, attended the ceremony which was streaming live through an online service portal.

PMC has over many years been a pillar in the community through sustaining the economy of Ba-Phalaborwa and today we have stepped forward to support skills development. This year alone, the business has awarded 153 study bursaries to students in the local communities, extending their offering to a diversity of disciplines, beyond the limits of mining related studies. The value of these bursaries are estimated at an excess of R 20 million for the year 2022.

PMC BURSARY PROGRAMME

The bursary program coordinated by Training Department will support learners with coverage of full tuition, residence, meals, laptop and book allowances at recognised institutions of higher learning throughout the entire country.

Three former bursary holders who are now employed by PMC, shared their experience and how they were able to overcome the difficult odds in their homesteads. It was such an encouraging but emotional account of the bursars’ academic journeys and how their relationship with PMC was able to transform their lives into an opportunity for hope. Nyiko Khosa, former bursar from Lulekani, completed his BEng Tech in Metallurgy in December 2021 and joined the PMC Graduate program in January 2022, said this in appreciation.

“This was also a great opportunity as it allowed me to complete my studies without a hassle. I am now able to help my family financially as my mother is a domestic worker and my father is a retrenched operator from one of our local contractors, Sullwald.  PMC changed my life as I am born from a disadvantaged background which I did not allow to define my destiny. I would also like to extend my deepest gratitude to PMC management for the opportunity,” he said.

ALL STAKEHOLDERS CONSULTED

The community baseline study is in consultation with stakeholders such as Ba-Phalaborwa Community Forum. The Department of Education, Ba-Phalaborwa municipality and the Traditional Authorities established a clarion call for the provision of bursaries. We have resolved to provide bursaries as an investment in the local communities and we certainly know that we will be reaping the benefits of this investment in the foreseeable future.

This investment is a clear demonstration that PMC understands and values the needs of their stakeholders, and this is a confirmation that together we will build a sustainable future in Ba-Phalaborwa through education. Testimonies shared by the former recipients, echoed truth that education is indeed an equalizer and that having PMC as your sponsor, silences all potential financial noises.

PMC management in attendance echoed words of encouragement to the families and the 2022 recipients: “PMC is taking education and skills development to greater heights. I am urging all bursars to grab this opportunity with both hands and run with it. The world is evolving, and it requires education. Through this bursary, our bursars will be able to meet industry demand and requirements,” Mr. Dennis Modise, Senior Manager at Human Resource mentioned.

COMPANY EFFORTS APPLAUDED 

The Training Manager, Ms. Mabore Macheru described the company efforts as follows:

“At PMC we are moving well with the trend in technology, this is just not only a dream for PMC but a reality, as we are currently executing state of art technologies, such as Lift II project and Smelter Retrofit. This will require engineers, technicians and professionals with the right skills and it is for this reason that we are putting more effort on investing in education and development. “

Today’s event echoes the words of Nelson Mandela’s that “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

Twenty Zimbabweans among CIT suspects involved in deadly shootout with police

Twenty Zimbabweans among CIT suspects involved in deadly shootout with police

A gang of about 25 gunmen from KwaZulu-Natal, Zimbabwe and Botswana were intercepted by police while planning a cash-in-transit heist in Johannesburg on Monday afternoon.

The confrontation happened in Rosettenville, a suburb in the south of Johannesburg and left 10 suspects dead and another eight arrested. Police had earlier said eight suspects were killed, but the police watchdog, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate, said at least 10 people had been killed in the shootout.

JOHANNESBURG CASH-IN-TRANSIT

Ipid spokesperson Grace Langa said five police officers were injured and a further two had to be airlifted to hospital.

Police Minister Bheki Cele who went to the scene shortly after the shooting unfolded, said police are on the hunt for the remaining suspects. Cele confirmed their nationalities during a media briefing.

According to Gauteng provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela, police had placed the suspects under surveillance since last week.

PROVINCIAL LEADER GIVES UPDATE

On Monday, the suspects noticed that they were being followed and decided to rush to their safe house.

“There was money which they were observing and they were going to hit it but our members said prevention is better than cure,“ Mawela said.

Police recovered five stolen vehicles which were used by the suspects, AK47s with double magazines and R4s. There was also explosives and petrol.

Another firearm was found on the freeway after the suspected robbers threw it out of the window.

Women delivering outside of health cares concerns health department

Women delivering outside of health cares concerns health department

Limpopo Health MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba has noted with concern reports of women delivering outside healthcare facilities. This is as a result of some clinics not operating 24hours leading to risking both the life of the mother and that of the newborn baby.

The department says not all of their clinics operate 24hrs. But a process of activating the clinics to operate 24hrs was underway b. Unfortunately covid-19 affected the project negatively leading to a regress.

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The main reasons for the failure to operate 24 hours includes the following:

  1. Staff shortages. Clinical Nurse Practitioners or at least midwives who can function independently at a PHC level are required to operate 24/7. These professionals must be rostered to cover both day and night duty.
  2. Reliable security which can only be achieved when communities are involved is needed.
  3. Logistics including a generator and others.

HEALTHCARE CONCERNS 

As a result of those three main challenges and others, the department resolved on the following:

  1. Prioritize all Healthcare centers to operate 24/7.
  2. Followed by clinics within busy communities.
  3. Cluster clinics within a certain radius can have a call system for them to operate 24/7.

The patient especially pregnant women have the following responsibilities for them to avoid such incidents:

  1. When a woman misses her periods, she must go to the clinic and do a pregnancy test. If she chooses to keep the baby she must start Antenatal clinic visits before 20 weeks and not wait until the pregnancy is visible.
  2. Antenatal visits do not only focus on the health of the mother and the baby. However, during the visits Midwives usually advise on place of delivery and mode of transportation and any other logistics.
  3. For what we call Primigravida or first time deliveries it takes between 8hrs to even up to 16hrs from onset of labor pains until fully dilated when the baby is ready to be delivered and for multi-gravity or experienced mothers it takes up to 10hrs.

NEW RESOLUTION FOR THE DEPARTMENT

This simply means if whenever a woman starts to experience labor pains, she doesn’t wait until the pains are worse while self-progressing herself at home. There is no woman who will deliver outside our facilities, there is no place in our province which you need 10hrs to reach.

The department has appealed to every pregnant woman as supported by their spouses, families to comply with Antinatal visits where they will be told on the expected date of delivery or EDD. They must remain vigilant on that date and once labor pains start they must not wait and progress themselves.

“We are currently facing serious budget cuts which will continuously affect our programs on improving service delivery. Hence we want to work together with our communities to try to avert some of these negative incidents”, said MEC Ramathuba.