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41-year-old Man shot dead at Thornhill Gym parking area

41-year-old Man shot dead at Thornhill Gym parking area

Police in Polokwane, Limpopo are investigating a murder case following the fatal shooting of a 41-year-old man at the Thornhill gym parking area on Tuesday. The incident took place at about 21:30.

Police received a complaint about the incident and upon arrival at the scene, they found a man lying in a pool of blood with gunshot wounds on the neck.

ALSO READ: Lephalale Mayor handover new Waste trucks

The motive for the shooting is unknown at this stage. The deceased was identified as Sakie Ramogale (41).

MAN SHOT AND KILLED AT THORNHILL GYM PARKING AREA

Acting Provincial Commissioner of  Police in Limpopo Major General Jan Scheepers condemned the incident. He called it brutal and ordered the police to hunt down the suspects.

Anyone with information that can assist with the investigations or arrest of the suspects is requested to contact the Investigating Officer Warrant Officer Lubbe on 084 602 2398. Crime stop number 08600 10111 or nearest police station or MySAPS App.

FOUR SUSPECTS WERE ARRESTED IN THE MOPANI DISTRICT FOR VARIOUS OFFENSES

Meanwhile, four male suspects have been arrested in connection with conspiracy to commit rhino poaching.  Possession of an unlicensed firearm, and ammunition. They appeared at Namakgale Magistrate Court on Tuesday, 30 January 2024.

Fanuel Mnisi (44), Godfrey Nukeri (36), Ceremao Baloyi (62), and Eddy Sithole (46) were remanded in police custody. Their cases were postponed to next week Monday, 06 January 2024.

On Sunday, 28 January 2024, gunshot sounds were reported at Harmony Farm 16 under the Gravelotte policing area. Security Guards immediately responded by searching the farm for the suspects until they found their tracks.

A joint search operation was executed by the Security Guards and Hoedspruit Farm Watch together with the Gravelotte Crime Prevention members and managed to identify a suspicious white Ford Ranger bakkie that was driving along the R36 public road heading to Mpumalanga direction and it was stopped.

The motor vehicle with four male suspects was searched. Police found two unlicensed hunting rifles with silencers, one rifle butt, five ammunition, one axe and one Plier.  

The suspects were also asked about the origin of the weapons. But could not provide a satisfactory response.

Two South Africans and two Mozambican Nationals were immediately nabbed on the spot. The motor vehicle and weapons were seized during their arrest.

Bafana stun Morocco to progress to AFCON quarter-finals

Bafana stun Morocco to progress to AFCON quarter-finals

Bafana Bafana beat Morocco 2-0 at Stade Laurent Pokou on Tuesday in the AFCON last 16 round to progress to the Quarter-finals. Orlando Pirates striker Evidence Makgopa scored the only goal of the match and his first of the tournament in the 57th minute.

ALSO READ: The Sixth Limpopo Golf Championship edition launched

The FIFA World Cup semi-finalists Morocco came into the match as favourites against the Hugo Broos charges. As expected they dominated proceedings in the first half and could have taken a lead before the halftime break.

But a resilient Bafana side managed to hold on and until the first 45 minutes. But it didn’t take time before Makgopa slotted home from close range to give the 1996 Champions a 1-0 lead 10 minutes into the second half.

A VICTORY AGAINST ALL ODDS FOR BAFANA BAFANA AS THEY PROGRESS TO THE NEXT ROUND

Despite an aggressive fightback by the Moroccans, Bafana Bafana managed to hold on to the much-important victory. Bafana thought they had won a penalty kick when substitute Thapelo Maseko looked like he was fouled inside the box but the referee waved play on.

Bafana Bafana stun Morocco to progress to AFCON quarter-finals
Bafana Bafana players celebrate against Morocco

MISSED PENALTY

Morocco were awarded a penalty kick with five minutes remaining after Mvala was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the 18 area. But experienced right-back Achraf Hakimi missed the golden opportunity. Bafana eventually won the match 1-0.

They will now take on Cape Verde in the quarter-final match on Saturday night.

𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗘𝗥-𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗙𝗜𝗫𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗦

Nigeria v Angola
Friday, 2 February
19:00

DR Congo v Guinea
Friday; 2 February
22:00

Mali v Ivory Coast
Saturday, 3 February
19:00

Cape Verde v
Saturday, 3 February

Bafana Bafana: Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Grant Kekana, Mothobi Mvala, Aubrey Modiba, Sphephelo Sithole, Teboho Mokoena, Percy Tau, Thapelo Morena, Themba Zwane, Evidence Makgopa.

Subs: Veli Mothwa, Ricardo Goss, Nyiko Mobbie, Terrence Mashego, Siyanda Xulu, Osqin Appollis, Jayden Adams, Thapelo Maseko, Thabang Monare, Zakhele Lepasa, Nkosinathu Sibisi, Mihlali Mayambela.

Morocco XI: Bono, Hakimni, Saiss, Ageurd, Mazraoui, Amallah, Amrabat, Ounah, Adli, Ezzalzouli, En-Nyesri. 

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Lephalale Mayor handover new Waste trucks

Lephalale Mayor handover new Waste trucks

The Mayor of Lephalale Local Municipality, Aaron Mokgetle on Tuesday handed over waste trucks to Municipal officials as part of accelerating service delivery. Mayor Mokgetle was accompanied by Municipal Councillors.

He says the trucks which include three rear-end loader compactor trucks, one excavator, one TLB and one front-end loader will assist in improving service delivery. Especially in the area of waste collection and disposal.

ALSO READ: New clinic for Tshamahansi residents

 “They will further ensure that the Municipality complies with the National Environmental Act,” he said.

NEW WASTE TRUCKS HANDED OVER FOR THE LEPHALALE LOCAL MUNICIPALITY

Meanwhile, a hundred learners from Mohlajwa Secondary School at Sefihlogo Village and Skuinskloof Primary School will benefit from the Mayoral initiative to support disadvantaged learners.

Mayor of Lephalale Local Municipality, Aaron Mokgetle on Tuesday handed over waste trucks to Municipal officials
Mayor Aaron Mokgetle hands over school shoes to disadvantaged learners

The Mayor recently received a hundred School shoes from Fleet Horizon Company in Limpopo. The shoes will be distributed amongst identified learners.

MAYOR AARON MOKGETLE INTRODUCES A CONTRACTOR FOR THE REPAIR WORK OF MOKWELE PRIMARY SCHOOL

Still with the Lephalale Municipality, Mayor Mokgetle, together with Councillors visited Mokwele Primary School at Letlora Village. The roof of the school was blown off by the recent storm earlier this month.

The purpose of the visit was for the Mayor to introduce a service provider to repair the damages. This follows after the Mayor was approached by the school principal to request for intervention that will assist in repairing the damages.

Mayor of Lephalale Local Municipality, Aaron Mokgetle on Tuesday handed over waste trucks to Municipal officials
Mayor Mokgetle introduces contractors at Mokwele Primary School

The Mayor successfully negotiated with Eskom Matimba and managed to secure the services of Actom, a service provider contracted to Eskom who will do the repair work.

The school governing body, Traditional Leaders, and church leaders attended the gathering. All stakeholders who were in attendance welcomed and appreciated this intervention. They also said that it will ensure that effective learning continues without any hindrances.

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Limpopo musician Shebeshxt involved in a car accident

Limpopo musician Shebeshxt involved in a car accident

Musician Lehlogonolo Katlego Chauke, commonly known as Shebeshxt was involved in a car accident on Tuesday. According to eyewitnesses, Shebeshxt the accident occurred next to Goseame in Polokwane on Tuesday afternoon.

ALSO READ: The Sixth Limpopo Golf Championship edition launched

His VW hatchback hit the back of a Toyota Bakkie and he was unharmed. The musician also took to Facebook to tell his followers that he was fine. But he insisted that there are those that want him dead.

“I am fine. They want me dead,” wrote.

Limpopo musician Shebeshxt involved in a car accident
Shebeshxt car after an accident

SHEBESHXT SURVIVES A CAR ACCIDENT, WHO WANTS HIM DEAD?

Earlier this month, Shebeshxt revealed that he survived a bullet in Hammanskraal after performing at an event. He further asked for prayers from the public after claiming that certain individuals were hired to kill him.

“Did You know? Most of the music artists in the Industry are hired to sabotage, plant and kill me,” he said at the time.

“They want me to go back to jail. I also know the person who hired them to kill me in Hammanskraal. I have God on my side.”

Shebeshxt is currently out on bail after being arrested for attempted murder, assault, damage to property and a discharge of a firearm.

More to follow… 

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New clinic for Tshamahansi residents

New clinic for Tshamahansi residents

The Limpopo Department of Health MEC and the Mogalakwena Local Municipality have inaugurated 24-hour healthcare services at Tshamahansi clinic. The event forms part of the Cheka Impilo campaign led by MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba and Mayor Ngoako Taueatsoala.

The clinic, which is situated in the Mogalakwena Municipality, serves residents of Tshamahansi and the surrounding areas in the Waterberg District.

ALSO READ: The Sixth Limpopo Golf Championship edition launched

“In line with her commitment to improving healthcare access, MEC Ramathuba, during the 2023/24 budget speech, vowed to make a substantial number of clinics in the Province available 24/7. This initiative addresses the increasing demand for round-the-clock medical services. It also encourages citizens to undergo health screening to be aware of their health status,” the Municipality said in a statement.

“Tshamahansi clinic is one of the four clinics activated to operate 24-hour service in Waterberg District this year. The clinic will be rendering all Primary Healthcare services for 24 hours. The new hours will reduce waiting time as people will be able to visit the facility at their own time. This will also reduce mother and child morbidity and mortality.

“Ivanplats Mine has pledged to build a maternity wards/ section. This is part of its Social Labour Plan for the communities where it operates. The construction of the facility is envisaged to start in February 2024. It is also envisaged that the Mine will empower many people through their operations,” read the statement.

New 24-hour healthcare services at Tshamahansi clinic
Cheka Impilo campaign at Tshamahansi clinic

“This will ultimately expand the health system as many people will be residing in Tshamahansi and surrounding areas. Businesses, both formal and informal, will be explored hence the forward planning on the construction of maternity wards. To cater to the anticipated number of pregnant women.”

24-HOUR HEALTHCARE SERVICES AT TSHAMAHANSI CLINIC


“The government has committed to make Primary health care services accessible to our communities on a 24-hour basis. Therefore we are appealing to our government officials in the health care facility to prioritize our patients above all in particular the elderly ” added MEC Ramathuba.

“We are also appealing to our Chief Executive Officers and Senior Operational Managers in our hospitals and clinics to manage their security department to prioritize our patients and treat them with care, they are not health experts ” continued MEC Ramathuba.

The MEC and the Mayor concluded the day by opening the E-lockers. Each having 116 capacity, for stable chronic patients to collect their medications any time of the day or night without having to queue at the clinic. 

The Sixth Limpopo Golf Championship edition launched

The Sixth Limpopo Golf Championship edition launched

Sunshine Tour and Limpopo Tourism Agency [LTA] officially launched the sixth edition of the Limpopo Golf Championship on Monday. The international Golf tournament has over the years attracted some international Golfers from across the globe. It is hosted at the Euphoria Golf Estate in Mookgophong, Waterberg District.

This year’s tournament will be played from 4-9 April 2024 at the same venue. Over 156 local and international Golfers will compete for the R 2 million prize money.

ALSO READ: Bafana through to AFCON last 16 round

The players expected to partake include defending champion Ryan van Velzen, who will seek to emulate JC Ritchie’s back-to-back wins in 2019 and 2020.

“Sports tourism is central to the Limpopo Tourism Agency’s growth strategy. Golf continues to deliver impressive results for the province,” said LTA Board Chairperson Andrew Dipela.

The Sixth Limpopo Golf Championship edition launched
2023 Limpopo Golf Championship winner Ryan van Velzen

“Golf destination marketing has directly contributed towards an increase in visitors, economic investment, job creation, and golf development. The venue becomes a hive of activity during the tournament week with so many visitors coming to witness this spectacle.

“This year’s Limpopo Championship will showcase this and more in a week-long lifestyle and golf programme. It includes live entertainment, an after party, a business exhibition. A pro-am golf day, and a hospitality area where fans and their families can experience the best of the Limpopo culture,” he added.

LTA OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES SIXTH EDITION OF THE LIMPOPO GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP

“This tournament will no doubt continue to draw droves of people to the province before, during and after the tournament for various reasons after witnessing it in their respective countries as the event is watched by 40 million in over thirty 30 countries of the world.

“We are also thrilled that LTA led the way in its introduction of the Limpopo Championship at the Euphoria Golf Estate. That also gave birth to two other major golf tournaments that the province will host through the Sunshine Tour in 2024. Namely, the SDC Open and also the Vodacom Origins of Golf.”

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Another teen drowns while crossing a river stream

Another teen drowns while crossing a river stream

An 11-year-old boy drowned while he was crossing a river stream alongside his siblings at Sengatane village outside Polokwane.

According to the information, three siblings aged 03, 11 and 13 were walking between Sengatane and Jerusalem villages crossing a water stream unattended.

ALSO READ: 25 foreign nationals arrested for contravention of immigration act

 It is alleged that an 11-year-old boy suddenly experienced some difficulties in the water. As a result, he drowned.

The 13-year-old sibling went back home to report the incident to the elders. Upon arrival at the scene, the elders found the body of the deceased floating in the river.

Sengatane village boy drowned in Limpopo
Polokwane City

They managed to retrieve the body from the water, and the victim was certified dead on the scene by the paramedics.

It is the second incident of drowning in the policing area of Seshego in less than a week. It follows hard on the heels of the Makgodu incident in which two youths drowned while they were swimming.

BOY DROWNED WHILE CROSSING A RIVER STREAM IN SENGATANE VILLAGE

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the Police in Limpopo Major General Jan Scheepers once more called upon the parents and guardians to take extra care and be cautious for the safety of their children to avoid these unintended consequences.

The circumstances surrounding the drowning incident are being investigated. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death. 

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Former president Jacob Zuma suspended by the ANC

Former president Jacob Zuma suspended by the ANC

The ANC have confirmed that it has suspended its former president and MK Party face Jacob Zuma with immediate effect. The ANC announced on Monday that it has suspended Zuma following an NEC meeting this past weekend.

ALSO READ: Matriculants warned against fly-by-night institutions

Zuma is said to have contravened the ANC constitution after he publicly announced that he would be campaigning and voting for the newly formed MK Party. In its announcement, the ANC said Zuma’s membership would be temporarily suspended for being the figurehead of a rival party.

Former president Jacob Zuma suspended by the ANC
Suspended former ANC president Jacob Zuma 

WHY THE ANC HAS SUSPENDED ITS FORMER PRESIDENT JACOB ZUMA

“Zuma and others whose conduct is in conflict with our values and principles, will find themselves outside the African National Congress,” said ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula.

“Jacob Zuma is actively impugning the integrity of the ANC. Campaigning to dislodge the ANC from power while claiming that he has not terminated his membership,” said Mbalula.

“This conduct is irreconcilable with the spirit or organizational discipline and the ANC constitution. This chain of events requires the organization to invoke measures. To protect and preserve its integrity and prevent further damage to its reputation.

“Pursuant to this, the National Executive Committee during its ordinary meeting held from 26-29 January 2024 resolved to evoke rule 25.6.0 of the ANC constitution,” he said.

“I quote “If justifiable exceptional circumstances warrant an immediate decision of temporary suspension of a member. Without eliciting the comment or response of such member, as contemplated above. The National Executive Committee, the National Working Committee, the Provincial Executive Committee, as the case may be, may also summarily suspend such a member.”

“The NEC concluded that exceptional circumstances exist to justify and warrant an immediate decision to suspend former ANC president Jacob Zuma in line with rule 25.6.0.”

Matriculants warned against fly-by-night institutions

Matriculants warned against fly-by-night institutions

The Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism has issued a warning to Matriculants to remain vigilant of fly-by-night or bogus education institutions. The January/February period will see those who passed grade 12 being enrolled in different post-matric institutions.

But it has become a norm that some students and parents will fall victim to the bogus institutions masquerading as credible higher education centres.

ALSO READ: Principal arrested for murder Department of Education official

In a statement, LEDET says learners should contact relevant authorities to verify registration validations of any higher education services.

“LEDET advises consumers of higher education services to remain vigilant of fly-by-night or bogus institutions. Which mushroom for the sole purpose of making profits at the expense of innocent consumers who complete fake courses taught by quacks. Given counterfeit certificates presented as Diplomas, NQ4, NQ6 or any other nationally recognized qualification.

“Consumers of higher education services are encouraged to contact relevant authorities to verify registration validations of any new, unknown or dubious institution intending to sell higher education services. Most of these bogus institutions are accredited for certain programmes. Yet offer qualifications which are beyond their scope of accreditation. Their courses are usually completed in a short space of time. They will also constantly change premises to avoid being traced,” they said.

Matriculants warned against fly-by-night education institutions
LEDET MEC Rodgers Monama

LEDET ISSUES WARNING AGAINST FLY-BY-NIGHT POST-MATRIC EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

“Fly-by-night institutions of higher learning usually thrive on poor preparations by matriculants who don’t apply on time. Low deposit fees, exploitations of un-qualifying matriculants to access higher education services. Also a limited number of students admitted at tertiary institutions.

“Consumers are further advised to refrain from enrolling or paying any registration fees to any institution. Which is also not registered or not recognized by the Department of Higher Education and Training.”

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25 foreign nationals arrested for contravention of immigration act

25 foreign nationals arrested for contravention of immigration act

Limpopo Police have arrested 25 foreign nationals who were illegally smuggled into South Africa from Ethiopia through Zimbabwe. The suspects are aged between 20 and 44 years.

It is reported that members of the SAPS Limpopo Provincial Tracking Team in conjunction with the two private security companies SPS High Risk and Tshimollo Security have on Saturday 27 January 2024 operationalised information gathered regarding the motor vehicle a white Toyota Quantum.

ALSO READ: Principal arrested for murder Department of Education official

The vehicle was found driving along R81 road in Solomondale through Munik road from Beitbridge port of entry in Musina from Zimbabwe to Polokwane.

The operational team successfully spotted the said Quantum at the filling station along R81 road in Sebayeng. Upon checking they discovered that twenty-three Ethiopian male nationals aged between 20 and 38 years. They were ferried in a fifteen-seater passenger minibus by the driver a 44-year-old male South African citizen.

25 foreign nationals arrested for contravention of immigration act in Limpopo
25 foreign nationals were arrested in Solomondale

Preliminary investigations revealed that all the passengers in the said Quantum were illegally smuggled into the country.

It is reported that while in the process of searching the Quantum and the passengers. They suddenly saw a white motor vehicle Toyota Fortuner which stopped at the scene being driven by a male foreign national.

FOREIGN NATIONAL ARRESTED IN LIMPOPO FOR CONTRAVENTION OF THE IMMIGRATION ACT   

It is reported that the driver of the Quantum was found in possession of a licensed firearm. But it was confiscated for investigation purposes.

Meanwhile, the driver of the Fortuner reportedly tried to bribe the police with R5000 to let the Quantum with the passengers go free from the arrest. Subsequently, he was charged with bribery.

Police also arrested two drivers. The suspects are facing charges of human trafficking, bribery, and contravention of the immigration act.  

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo Major General Jan Scheepers hailed the involved teams for their commitment and alertness in ridding this province of criminality.

The suspects are expected to appear before Mankweng Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 29 January 2024.