March 2023

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Limpopo hosts Provincial Day of Prayer

The Limpopo Province on Friday held a Provincial Day of Prayer at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

The Day of Prayer is a multi-stakeholder event by the provincial government led by Premier Chupu Stanley Mathabatha.

PREMIER CHUPU MATHABATHA LEADS THE PROVINCIAL DAY OF PRAYER

It included masses from all walks of religion and faith, to seek divine intervention to reduce the number of fatal road accidents. Gender-based violence and femicide, substance abuse and other forms of social ills in the province.

Premier Mathabatha directed that the province must convene structures and faith-based organisations within the religious space. To organise a Provincial Day of Prayer.

Also read: Limpopo Doctor kills wife, then turns the gun to himself

Some of the religious leaders in the province who led the prayers were Bishop N Sikhwari delivering the sermon of the day.

Pastor S Manganyi leading on peace and stability prayer, and Pastor R.N Phala also Leading Prayer on substance abuse.

Rev T.T Mohlala Led a prayer on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. Archbishop I.J Mureri led a prayer on road accidents.

Pastor Ramoshaba led a prayer on crime and corruption. Apostle A Mudau led a prayer on Government leaders and public Officials and Chaplain- Rev S.E Letswalo also led a prayer on unity on the body of Christ.

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Rhino poachers arrested for unlawful possession of hunting rifle

Two armed suspected Rhino poachers aged 33 and 42 were arrested for unlawful possession of a hunting rifle on the road between Tzaneen and Hoedspruit on Friday.

This was a result of the alertness of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation members. With the assistance of Hoedspruit Farm Watch. Crime Intelligence, National Security and C-Dass.

Also read: Rhino poachers arrested in Phalaborwa

Members of the Hawks were alerted about a vehicle with two occupants. It was allegedly enroute to Gravelotte to poach Rhinos. They were immediately responded.

The suspicious vehicle with two occupants was spotted on the R521 road and it was stopped. Upon searching the vehicle, an unlicensed 308 hunting rifles. As well as 14 ammunition wrapped in a plastic bag were found hidden in the compartment of the engine and they were seized.

POSSESSION OF HUNTING RIFLE

Both suspects were placed under arrest and they are expected to appear in the Hoedspruit Magistrate’s court on Monday, 4 April 2023 for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

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Pre-Easter clean up result in R 4 million worth of goods confiscated

The Pre-Easter Clean Up Operation that was conducted in Musina policing area under Vhembe District resulted in R 4 million worth of goods being confiscated on Thursday, 30 March.

The clean up took place at various shops in the Central Business District (CBD) on Thursday 30 March 2023.

Also read: Suspects busted for illegal firearms and house breaking implements

Moreover, twenty arrests of suspects aged between 20 and 50 were also affected for various offenses. It includes public drinking, non-compliance of Liquor Act and Contravention of the Immigration Act.

PRE-EASTER CLEAN UP

The operation comprised external law enforcement agencies that included the members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Traffic police, SARS or Customs. LEDET, SAPRA ,IPR holders (Brand Owners ) and officials from the Department of Environmental Affairs.

The operation reached a significant milestone following the confiscation of a large quantity of brand-new G4s security uniforms. They were found stored at a Warehouse that was not authorized to be in possession of the items.

Also read: Six suspects arrested with bags of Dagga in Sekhukhune

In addition, Police confiscated counterfeit goods of clothes and shoes associated with, Mercedes Benz , BMW, RAW, Adidas, Nike, Jordan, Puma, Ellesse brands, Mercedes , Polo, Diesel ,Fabiano ,Kapa ,Fila and Lacoste brands including R30.000 worth of fake facial lotions.

Two mini buses or taxis were impounded for being not roadworthy and four trading licenses were revoked during the operation.

The arrested suspects are expected to appear before Musina Magistrate court soon facing various charges.

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Man found with decomposed body of 13-year-old killed by community

Police have launched a manhunt for unknown suspects after a 39-year-old Man who was found with a decomposed body of a 13-year-old girl was killed by community members at Motlolo village, Sekhukhune District.

Calvin Mohlala was stoned to death by community members on Tuesday, 28 March 2023 after being found in possession of the body of a young girl identified as Kabelo Malatji.

Also read: Decomposed body found in ceiling

The girl reportedly left home on Friday, 24 March 2023, intending to attend extra classes at a nearby school but never returned home. An immediate search for the victim was conducted at relatives and surrounding villages without success.

On Monday, 27 March, the decomposing body of Kabelo was reportedly found inside the house of the 39-year-old male victim. He was identified as Calvin Mohlala after an unpleasant odour was apparently detected by neighbours who immediately informed the police.

Upon arrival, police forced entry and found the lifeless body of the teenager in a decomposed state. A murder case was opened at Driekop police station.

Man found with decomposed body of 13-year-old killed by community

MAN KILLED BY COMMUNITY

Afterwards, the members of the community mobilized to locate the man in whose house the body was found. He was subsequently found while hiding in the same village and stoned to death on Tuesday at about 19:00.

Police were called and on arrival at the scene, they found the victim with severe wounds. He was later declared dead by the members of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

A manhunt of the unknown suspects has since been launched. Anyone with information that can assist the police with their apprehension should contact the Investigating Officer Warrant Officer Daniel Mohlala on 0798757771. Crime stop number 0860010111 or nearest police or MySAPSApp.

MISSING PERSONS
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search operation to locate a missing Woman

Police in Lephalale have launched a search operation following the disappearance of a missing woman. The 39-year-old Ntsetsa Anna Laka residing at Leseding Steenbokpan Lephalale.

According to the information the woman was last seen on Sunday, 12 March 2023 leaving home with her boyfriend and has since disappeared.

Also read: Police in Thohoyandou request public assistance to locate missing woman

Limpopo Doctor kills wife, then turns the gun to himself

Police in Polokwane have opened cases of murder and inquest following an incident in which a Limpopo Doctor shot and killed his wife and then turned the gun on himself.

The 35-year-old medical Doctor was attached to Donald Frazer hospital in Thohoyandou. His 32-year-old wife, also a Doctor, is attached to the Provincial Hospital in Polokwane. The incident happened at Thornhill Estate in Polokwane on Monday, 27 March 2023.

The bodies of the deceased were reportedly found by a family member who arrived from Vembe in the afternoon.

LIMPOPO DOCTOR KILLS WIFE FOLLOWING AN ARGUMENT

Preliminary Police investigations revealed that the couple had a fight earlier in the day and in the afternoon. The woman was then allegedly shot dead by her husband who thereafter turned the gun on himself. The deceased was identified as Dr Tshimangadzo Muofhe and her husband Dr Mainfred Shikwambane.

The motive for the incident is unknown at this stage but domestic violence cannot be ruled out.

DR PHOPHI RAMATHUBA SEND CONDOLENCES

MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba was on the scene with the families of the deceased, described their death as an immense loss.

“This is a sad day for me and the entire department, we are devastated,” she said.

“Losing such hardworking, dedicated, and promising young people is a blow for us as the department. Dr Shikwambana, prior to his permanent appointment, he served for two years as an Acting Clinical Manager for Donald Fraser Hospital.

Also read: Health department raises concerns over switching off electricity supply

“He managed to turn the hospital around from leading in maternal death in the Vhembe district to recording zero. He continued sustaining his excellent performance in clinical governance leading to us giving him the responsibility to act as the overall head of the institution at the beginning of this month,” added Dr Ramathuba.

“On the other hand his wife Dr Tshimangadzo Muofhe will be missed by her colleagues and patients in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology department of Pietersburg hospital. Her dedication and commitment when it comes to protecting pregnant women and their unborn children. Death has once more stolen the best amongst us. On behalf of the department of health we send our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, colleagues. May their departed souls rest in peace,” said MEC Ramathuba.

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Grannies International tournament gets underway in Nkowa-Nkowa

It was such an emotional and amazing scenes at Nkowa-Nkowa Stadium on the opening day as the Grannies International Football Tournament get underway on Sunday.

Unfortunately, the hosts Vakhegula-Vakhegula lost their first match 3-2 against the USA. The occasion was graced by amongst others MECc from the Limpopo government, SAFA, and Local Municipality.

Also read: Vakhegula raring to go ahead of historic International tournament

It was a fully packed Nkowa-Nkowa Stadium with the local communities coming out in numbers to show full support for the tournament organised by Beka Ntsanwisi.

**Grannies International tournament gets underway in Nkowa-Nkowa**

The two goals by Vakhegula came via striker Thelma “Lehlohonolo Majoro” Ngobeni.

“It was not an easy game but I am just happy that we managed to score. We also showed that we can play,” she said.

Grannies International tournament gets underway

“I had the spectators happy so I thought I had already scored then I stopped. That’s where I messed up.

“That’s where we were supposed to score but we will try again. The trophy is staying in South Africa, I am sure of that,” Ngobeni told the media.

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Services suspended at Tshiombo Clinic following a fire incident

The Limpopo department of health have temporarily suspended services at Tshiombo Clinic in Vhembe following a fire incident on Saturday afternoon. An old building of the clinic caught fire at midday. Firefighters were called to extinguish the fire before it could spread to the other buildings.

This includes the new additions in the clinic.

The cause of the fire is not yet known but no injuries or casualties were reported.

Also read: Health department concerned about rising unnatural death cases

“Consequently, the department wishes to inform community members of Tshiombo and the surrounding communities that the clinic will be temporarily closed.”

Services suspended at Tshiombo Clinic following a fire incident

“In the meantime, community members are advised to utilise William Eddie, Rambuda, Damani, and Makonde Clinics.

“The department will await fire experts from the SAPS to investigate and provide the relevant report. Once the department is given access to the site of the burnt clinic by SAPS, the cost of damage will be determined.”

DEPARTMENT TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED SERVICES AT TSHIOMBO CLINIC

MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba has deployed the Acting Deputy Director General responsible for Healthcare Services to immediately make an assessment. This is in respect of the services that can be rendered at the facility. While the investigations and also before the building can be refurbished and recommissioned.

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A man kills three people and then takes his own life

Police are investigating three cases of murder and an inquest after a man kills three people and then takes his own life in two separate incidents in Vhembe District, Limpopo.

The suspect, now deceased, first attacked his neighbour aged 80 at Lwamondo Mutandani village outside Thohoyandou, by possibly strangling him before taking his firearm and motor vehicle. He thereafter proceeded to Thohoyandou Block Q. He shot and killed a man and his partner before fleeing the scene. The incident took place on Thursday, 23 March 2023.

Also read: Shock as Riky Rick takes his own life

Police received a report at about 20:40 on Thursday that there was a shooting incident at a house situated in Sibasa. Upon their arrival, they found the bodies of male and female victims with gunshot wounds.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect entered the premises and shot the victims at gunpoint. He then fled the scene in a motor vehicle. A case of two counts of murder was then opened.

On the other hand, the Police in Vuwani were on Friday, 24 March 2023 summoned to a house in which an 80-year-old man was found dead in the passage of his house at Lwamondo village. His firearm was stolen from the safe and his motor vehicle was also missing. He was identified as 80-year-old Ngondiseni Samuel Shavhani. Cases of murder and house robbery were then opened.

The investigations of these two separate incidents were then coordinated. It soon came to light that the suspect was in fact the same person. He was identified as Thinandavha Bravo Mulaudzi residing at Lwamondo village in Vuwani.

Love triangle not ruled out as Man kills three people

The team, on Friday launched a manhunt for the suspect until his body was found with a bullet wound in the bushes in Mapate Village. The firearm and motor vehicle belonging to the 80-years-old deceased were also recovered.

The deceased in Sibasa was identified as Patricia Manavhela (48) and her partner Simon Ramutsindela Thifhelimbilu (49).

The motive of the incident is unknown at this stage but love triangle cannot be ruled out.

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Polokwane Municipality struggling with cable theft

The Polokwane Municipality in the Capricorn District has issued a notice to their residents that they are struggling with cable theft. In the process, the municipality struggles with the manpower and materials required to restore power on time.

The latest incidents left several customers without supply for an extended period in the City and the Seshego. The Seshego area also has more cases reported on a daily basis. Particular, Zone 4, Zone 8, Zone 5, Luthuli Park and Extension 75.

CABLE THEFT CRISIS

“This is to notify the community that Polokwane Municipality is experiencing unprecedentedly high cases of cable theft on a daily basis and is not coping with the situation resulting in delayed restoration of power to affected areas,” said the municipality.

“Whilst the municipality is attending to these cases, the affected customers are urged to exercise patience. There are more households that need to be restored. Cable theft affects residents and businesses negatively as it results in them having no electricity supply for days and even weeks.

“The municipality is, therefore, urging all to be vigilant over their service infrastructure by reporting suspicious activities. The municipality’s community services are busy with patrols in the hot spots. But cannot be everywhere at the same time,” they said.

“In the meantime, all electrical wiring in the affected areas should be considered to be live to avoid injury. All electrical appliances be switched off to avoid damage when the electricity supply is restored.

Also read: Polokwane Municipality switches off government departments

“Residents are urged to report cable theft to theft to the municipality at 015 290 2458. Also Police’s 24-hour Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or to Eskom crime lime at 0800 11 27 22,”

“The municipality apologises for the inconvenience caused. We will do everything possible to ensure electricity is restored to all affected customers. Also Municipal Call Centre: 015 290 2000 / 2458 / 015 023 5000 | Electrical Helpline: 015 290 2490 / WhatsApp: 083 824 9886.”

Archive of: March 2023