A 30-year-old woman allegedly stabbed and killed her partner aged 29 at Morarela Village outside Marble Hall, Limpopo on Friday, 29 April at about 22:45.
According to the information received, at the time of the incident, the victim had visited his partner at her home when the two engaged in a heated argument. The suspect apparently went outside to cool down. But the victim followed her while holding a sharp object. The victim was then stabbed in the upper body following a fight between the two in the Sekhukhune District.
Limpopo Woman stabs her partner to death in Marble Hall
Police and emergency medical services were summoned to the scene. The man was declared dead at the scene and the suspect was arrested.
MAN STABBED BY PARTNER IN MARBLE HALL
Police have opened a case of murder. The motive for the killing is not yet known but domestic violence cannot be ruled out. The suspect will appear before the Marble Hall Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday 02 May 2023.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Major General Jan Scheepers has strongly condemned the incident.
The community of Seshego outside of Polokwane, Limpopo came out in numbers for the official opening ceremony of the 2023 edition of the Telkom Netball League. The Netball League is South Africa’s premier Netball tournament sponsored by Telkom.
The tournament is for the first time being held in Limpopo and at the Ngoako Ramatlhodi Sports Complex to be specific. The tournament began on Thursday but was officially opened on Friday. The event was attended amongst others by representatives of Polokwane and Capricorn District Municipality. Acting MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya and Martha Nkwashu from Telkom both gave a message of support while Deputy Minister for Sport, Arts and Culture Nocawe Mafu was the main speaker.
Bongiwe Msomi and Cecilia Molokwane
The association led by president Cecilia Molokwane will host the first-ever Netball World Cup on African soil from 28 July-6 August. The day was also used to celebrate Molokwane’s birthday.
TELKOM NETBALL LEAGUE FRIDAY RESULTS
The Limpopo Baobabs and the Tornados lit up the Ngoako Ramatlhodi Sports Complex in the first match of Friday with a riveting performance. But Tornados broke the home side’s heart once again after walking away with a 48-47 victory.
Crowd at Ngoako Ramatlhodi Sports Complex in Limpopo
Free State Sonoblomo suffered another defeat at the hands of the Eastern Cape Comets who secured a 42-27 victory. The debutants next face the hosts Limpopo Baobabs and the Comets will look to maintain their unbeaten run against a highly confident Tornados on Saturday.
SESHEGO COMMUNITY COME OUT IN NUMBERS
In Division One, The Free State Crinums disgruntled the Gauteng Jaguars after snatching a 58-52. It was probably a match to look forward to given that the Jaguars had won the competition five times. The Crinums have also won it on three occasions.
The Kingdom Stars capitulated against the Southern Stings following a solid performance against the Aloes yesterday. This was the Stings’ second consecutive victory after defeating the Stars 51-23.
Deputy Minister for Sport, Arts and Culture Nocawe Mafu
Southern Stings registered a second consecutive victory after defeating the Kingdom Stars 51-23. The match between the Fireballs and the Flames wrapped up the day. It has been a tough start for the North West side, who were beaten 32-56.
Police in Mokopane have tactically traced and subsequently arrested three Limpopo men for stolen property in the early hours of Thursday, 27 April.
The SAPS in the Waterberg District followed up on information about the four Foreign Nationals. They are involved in numerous cases of business burglaries and robberies around the Mokopane industrial area.
The three suspects aged 25, 33 and 37 were spotted in Sekgakgapeng just outside Mokopane while at their residential premises. A search for illegal items and properties was conducted upon arrival by the police. This led to suspected stolen property recovered. These include 2 x Plasmas, 8 x Motor vehicle batteries. 1 x Generator machine, 2 x Welding machines, 4 x Grinding machines, 4 x Drilling machines. 11 x Safety boots, 2 x Torchlights and 1 x CCTV camera totaling a value of R200.000,00.
Three Limpopo men arrested for stolen property
The recovered properties were all positively linked to a few incidents of business burglaries and robberies that occurred between March and April 2023 period. They were also reported at Mokopane Police Station.
MEN ARRESTED FOR STOLEN PROPERTY
Investigations revealed that other properties were already sent to their families in Zimbabwe by cross border delivery truck. A search for the fourth male suspect is still underway.
The suspects are expected to appear before Mokopane Magistrate’s Court soon in the week facing charges of business burglaries and robberies as well as possession of suspected stolen goods including the contravention of the immigration act, for illegally being in the Country.
A Man who robbed a businessman at gunpoint is receiving medical attention in a hospital under police guard after being shot. A foreign national businessman was allegedly robbed at gunpoint on Wednesday, 26 April at Makhado Crossing Mall parking bay, Vhembe District. at about 09:15.
It is reported that the victim parked his motor vehicle at the parking bay intending to deposit money at the Bank situated at the Mall. Unexpectedly, the suspect approached and pointed a firearm at the victim and demanded money in his possession.
MAN ROBBED BUSINESSMAN AT GUNPOINT
The 33-year-old suspect managed to rob the victim of an undisclosed amount of cash. He subsequently went to his motor vehicle to search for more money.
While searching the motor vehicle, the victim managed to take out his licensed firearm and shot the suspect in the upper body at close range. An exchange of fire ensued.
During the shootout, one motor vehicle was shot and damaged on the rear windscreen and front window.
The victim was not shot at. But the suspect sustained severe gunshot wounds and was apparently bleeding heavily. This is before managing to flee the scene driving a white BMW motor vehicle.
An armed robbery case was opened at Makhado police station. Investigations immediately commenced resulting in the team following up on information of the suspect at Bungeni Health Centre. He was seeking medical assistance and was placed under arrest.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Major General Jan Scheepers commended the Investigation Team for their alertness and commitment that enabled them to trace and subsequently apprehended the suspect
A 33-year-old suspect will appear before Louis Trichardt Magistrate Court. He is facing charges of armed robbery once he fully recovers from a hospital while currently under police guard.
South African motorists have been warned to expect another petrol price hike in May. The Automobile Association says data from the Central Energy Fund indicates a hike of 52 cents for unleaded 93 and 56 cents for 95.
Diesel and paraffin users can expect some relief. Diesel is expected to cost 31 and 57 cents less a litre for the different grades. Illuminating paraffin is predicted to go down by 32 cents a litre.
DECREASE IN DIESEL BUT HIKE IN PETROL PRICE
The AA’s Layton Beard says the decrease in the price of diesel and paraffin is certainly good news. Especially as the country enters colder months.
“The decrease in diesel and paraffin prices is certainly good news, especially as the country enters colder months. But the increases to the petrol prices will add more strain to already stretched budgets. Consumers are advised to revise their budgets accordingly,” Beard said.
“There is no doubt these are difficult times, and petrol price increases will come as bad news for many who will have to dig even deeper in their pockets to keep mobile.
“The surge in international oil prices is the main driver contributing to the under-recovery in petrol. The average Rand/US Dollar exchange rate during April is actually providing some relief, without which the increases could have been higher.”
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, on Wednesday, 26 April 2023, met with Limpopo Premier Stanley Mathabatha to discuss the construction of Limpopo-to-Gauteng railway. The discussions are aimed at linking the two provinces through a new, faster, and more efficient rail network.
The meeting follows the commitment made by Premier Lesufi in his maiden State of the Province Address in February, to start the process of linking the two provinces.
LIMPOPO-TO-GAUTENG RAILWAY TO KICKSTART
“Once fully operational, the Limpopo-to-Gauteng rail link will alleviate the traffic congestion between the two provinces. Especially during Easter and Festive holidays. The project will also stimulate economic growth,” said Premier Lesufi.
Gauteng and Limpopo Premier’s meet over Limpopo-to-Gauteng railway
The rail network will transport commodities for regional and domestic markets as well as people. A joint technical team comprising senior officials from the two provincial governments, and the Gautrain Management Agency will meet regularly to discuss the modalities of the project. Financial institutions have already shown interest in funding the project.
“I wish to thank the Premier of Gauteng for this initiative. As Limpopo, we have been trying to implement this project since 2014 and unfortunately, we were met with financial challenges. I think with the kind of enthusiasm that the Premier is bringing into the project. Finally, it will kick off the ground”, said Premier Mathabatha.
According to the DA, the school has a severe shortage of classrooms. This has forced learners to be taught outside.
SHORTAGE OF CLASSROOMS AT PRIMARY SCHOOL
Bele Primary School only has two classrooms but has 316 learners enrolled from grade R to grade 7. There are also no mobile classrooms available to relieve the situation. The ten teachers and three teaching assistants have no office space.
“It is unacceptable. It’s we prepare to commemorate our first democratic elections and celebrate our democracy on Freedom Day tomorrow. We still have learners being taught outside,” the party said after visiting the school.
They allege that the department has failed these learners and educators by not providing a conducive environment for learning and teaching at this school. They have vowed to also write to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) to intervene and assist.
“Lerule-Ramakhanya must urgently provide mobile classrooms to ensure that learners do not continue to learn outside, exposed to extreme weather conditions.”
The party said they will continue to monitor the situation at Bele Primary School. To ensure that the rights of learners are protected and that conditions at the school improve.
The abnormal truck that got stuck underneath an overhead bridge at the Smelters Processing Plant on the R37 to Lebowakgomo in the Capricorn District has been removed. The truck got stuck on Friday, 21 April 2023, in the evening.
ABNORMAL TRUCK STUCK ON R37
MEC for Transport and Community in Limpopo, Florence Radzilani instructed her department to act upon receiving information about the incident.
“It was imperative for the Department to conduct an intensive investigation into the matter, in light of the December Boksburg incident, which had multiple fatalities,” said MEC Radzilani.
After a thorough investigation, it was discovered that there were some irregularities and protocols that the truck breached.
1. That, a valid permit has been granted by the Department to the Company, but it was used contrary to its provisions. 2. The approved route was the N11 from Marble Hall via R 519 through Kuschke, R 101 towards the City of Polokwane and then R 521 towards Vivo. The permit did not give the operator permission to use the R37 road. 3. The operator travelled at night, and according to the law, abnormal trucks are only permitted to travel during sunlight. 4. The truck was also travelling without an escort vehicle, which would have been able to detect the height of the bridge. Escort vehicles are normally fitted with height sticks, which are able to detect heights at overhead bridges.
An abnormal truck that got stuck on R37 to Lebowakgomo removed
5. The dimensions of the truck were also found to be inconsistent with the permissible conditions as per the application. 6. The load on the truck was not hazardous, but it was heavy machinery that was being ferried to the mines in the Musina area. 7. A tow truck was used to remove the truck from the scene and escorted it to the Polokwane weigh-bridge. 8. Its permit expired on Friday, 21 April 2023, and the Company has been instructed to apply for a new permit, in order to continue with its journey. 9. Upon securing a new permit, the truck will have to get an escort vehicle for the remainder of the journey.
The truck has also been charged for all these violations and is currently being held at the Polokwane Weighbridge.
Well-known Limpopo based Xitsonga musician and Bass-Guitarist Thomas Mathonsi has died, his family announced the sad news on Tuesday.
His passing was announced by his son Nyikiwe Mathonsi DE Junior through different social media platforms. Mathonsi was a great Xitsonga traditional music legend who was also nominated for the Munghana Lonene FM Awards in the category of traditional music in 2022. He has performed and worked with musicians such as Dr Thomas Chauke and Xitsonga music producer Joe Shirimane.
THOMAS MATHONSI HAS DIED
Condolences have already started pouring in for the talented musician. Collins Chabane Local Municipality Mayor Shadrack Maluleke has also described the death of Mathonsi as a great loss to the traditional Xitsonga music.
“His songs reflected a wide range of emotions that struck a chord with people of all age groups and different tribes. We will always remember him through his songs, his Bass-Guitar talent and we like to pass our sincere Condolences to his family and fans,” said Maluleke.
“Mr Mathonsi was a very talented and also a versatile singer. His untimely demise is very saddening and a huge loss to Xitsonga music. With his gifted instrumental skills, he has also left an indelible impression on the minds of countless music lovers. May his soul Rest in Peace,” he said.
“His contribution to the diversification of our nation’s music industry and cultural landscape will never be forgotten.”
The family is yet to announce any details regarding his memorial or funeral services.
Three suspects, including a Police Sergeant and her husband, were arrested in Mookgophong, Limpopo for kidnapping, assault and robbery. The pair together with their accomplice appeared in Modimolle Magistrate Court on Tuesday, 25 April.
The trio consist of a 45-year-old Police Sergeant, Moseki Mokgaetji Francina, her 28-year-old husband, Banele Gama and their accomplice aged 28 Makutu Mdutuzi, who is a friend to the husband. They are facing charges of kidnapping, pointing of a firearm, assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm, and robbery.
POLICE SERGEANT IN COURT FOR KIDNAPPING
The three are charged with incidents that happened between 08 April 2023 and 11 April 2023.
It is alleged that Gama hired a man who stays in Modimolle to sell dagga on his behalf. It is further reported that on Saturday 08 April 2023, the suspects had a heated argument with the victim resulting in being assaulted and robbed of his cash money.
According to reports, the suspects and the victim had an argument over the share of cash money for the dagga. It was supposedly sold by the victim resulting in him being assaulted and kidnapped for failing to hand over the money to the bosses.
A Police Sergeant and her husband are in court after a dispute with their dagga salesman
It is further alleged that, while the 28-year-old husband of the female Police Sergeant was still with the victim. The wife then arrived at the RDP house, Modimolle driving her private motor vehicle. She was still dressed in full uniform while in possession of petrol and threatened to burn or shoot the victim with a firearm.
The two forcibly took the victim to an RDP house in Mookgopong at Extension 8 where they locked him against his will. The victim however managed to sneak out and reported the matter to the Police.
Police immediately commenced investigations that resulted in the husband of the Police Officer being arrested at Modimolle on Thursday, 20 April. He has been making several Court appearances until when joined by his wife and the accomplice on Monday 24 April.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the Police in Limpopo Major General Jan Scheepers, condemned the incidents. ” This arrest will serve as a good example that no one is above the Law,” concluded Major General Scheepers.
Two of the three suspects were remanded in custody while the Police Officer was released on warning, on Tuesday.
The three are expected to appear before Modimolle Magistrate’s Court on 5 May 2023.
The Case docket has been handed over to IPID for further investigation.
