An 18-year-old learner was severely stabbed to death in what has been described as a bullying incident at Maope High School in Bela-Bela, Limpopo. The victim was identified by his family as Photigo Monareng (18).was stabbed in the upper body on Tuesday, 28 November.
According to reports, two groups of boys had a heated argument, which led to a fight. In the process, the victim was then stabbed and sustained serious injuries.
The victim was immediately transported to the hospital by a community member who witnessed the incident and was declared dead on arrival.
Police were alerted, and they traced the suspects until they arrested them on Tuesday 28 November 2023. During the arrest, police confiscated three knives, one hammer and one axe.
POLICE CONDEMN BULLYING INCIDENT AT BELA-BELA SCHOOL
Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has condemned all forms of bullying and violence in and around the learning environment in the strongest possible terms.
“We have noted a trend of bullying and embedded culture of violence in schools recently. Bullying and violence should be reported as soon as they occur to the parents, teachers, and police. It is unacceptable and should not be tolerated at all. It is time to hold those responsible for these acts to account,” remarked General Hadebe.
Suspects aged between 18 and 30 are expected to appear before the Belabela Magistrate court on Thursday, 30 November 2023. They are facing murder charges.
A 16-year-old Boy will appear in court on Monday for the rape of his 7-year-old cousin in Murunwa village in Makhado Limpopo.
According to the police report, the victim went to her cousin’s home with the intention to watch Television. While watching the Television, the suspect took the victim to the bedroom and removed her clothes before raping her.
After the rape ordeal, the suspect released the victim who went home and informed her mother. The matter was immediately reported to the police and the rape case was opened against a 16-year-old boy. He was arrested and released under Parental Care.
16-YEAR-OLD ARRESTED FOR RAPE OF HIS COUSIN IN LIMPOPO
The Minor is expected to appear before the Dzanani Magistrate Children’s Court on Monday, 30 October. He is facing charges of rape.
Meanwhile, Police in Bela-Bela have launched a manhunt for two suspects who robbed and raped a 15-year-old girl at Mandela Village. The incident took place on Saturday at about 18:00.
It is alleged that a boy and girl both aged 15 were standing in an open field when they were approached by two unknown males.
One of the suspects produced a firearm and the duo were forcefully taken to an unoccupied church nearby and robbed two cellphones.
Reportedly, the boy was hit on the head with a firearm. A 15 year-old girl was raped by the two suspects at gunpoint. Afterwards, the suspects fled the scene on foot and the incident was immediately reported to the police who opened a case of rape and robbery with a firearm.
A manhunt has since been launched for the two unknown suspects. Anyone with information that may assist with investigations should contact the Investigating Officer Warrant Officer Edward Rachoene on 0713550569. Also crime stop number 0860010111 or nearest police station or MySAPSApp.
A 39-year-old Father and his five-year-old son died mysteriously after allegedly consuming biscuits suspected to have been laced with the poisonous substance in Bela-Bela, Limpopo. The incident took place on Friday, 27 October 2023 at Extension Six.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the father of the child had a heated argument in the morning with his girlfriend.
During the day, the deceased allegedly went to Creche and took his son and left with the 5-year-old until he brought him to his mother in the evening.
Later on, a five-year-old child started to complain about stomach pains and told her that his father gave him biscuits. The mother quickly rushed him to the local Clinic for medical assistance. But he succumbed to severe pains upon his arrival.
Afterwards, the members of the community at Extension 06, mobilized themselves to attack the father. But the police managed to quickly stabilize the situation. Reportedly, a 39-year-old male went to the Clinic after complaining about stomach aches and informed the Medical personnel that he shared biscuits with his son that were intentionally poisoned by him.
DEATH OF FATHER AND SON ON BELA BELA SHOCK COMMUNITY
The father was treated at the Clinic and later transferred to Bela-Bela Hospital for medical treatment. But he also was declared dead by the Doctor. The deceased were identified as Mpho Lefoka and Tshepo Koos Ramotsho.
Commissioner of Limpopo province, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has ordered an investigation into the Incident.
“I would like to encourage everyone who is experiencing relationship or marital problems to seek immediate assistance from professionals such as Social Workers, Marriage Councillors, Pastors and Traditional leaders. This incident could have been prevented had there been consultations for assistance,” general Hadebe concluded. Meanwhile, Police investigations are continuing.
Two drug dealers in Bela-Bela, Limpopo were caught in possession of 332 sachets of Nyaope drugs and 29 sachets of Crystal meth drugs. They were all to the estimated street value of over R10 000. Police also confiscated a cash amount of R3 300 believed to be the proceeds of drug sales.
This was during Operation Kukula on Sunday 23 July conducted by the members of Bela-Bela Crime Intelligence Unit and Modimolle Public Order Policing (POPS).
The members further followed information about another suspect dealing in dagga at Spapark. A 38-year-old suspect was found in possession of 131 sachets of dagga to the estimated street value of R2620. This also includes a cash amount of R 1 040 believed to be the proceeds of drug sales.
Dagga seized
DRUG DEALERS CAUGHT WITH NYAOPE
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe commended the members on the successful arrests. The drugs were destined for the streets as part of criminal activities however, they acted promptly and prevented this from happening.
The three suspects will appear before the Bela-Bela Magistrate’s Court on Monday. They are facing charges of possession and dealing in drugs.
Police in Bela-Bela, Limpopo arrested a couple aged 20 and 22 for Possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, following a tip-off on 03 May 2023.
It is alleged that Police received the information about the suspects who were in possession of an unlicensed firearm. They were at a hair salon, next to the old clinic in Bela Bela.
The Police immediately followed the information and searched the said premises. They then found a 1x Glock pistol, 1x magazine and ammunition. It was hidden behind the wardrobe in the bedroom of the suspects.
Bela-Bela couple arrested for possession of unlicensed fireman
The female suspect alleged that the firearm belonged to her deceased father. However, preliminary investigations by Police revealed that the firearm was reported stolen in October 2021 at Wonderboom SAPS in Gauteng Province. Both suspects were arrested.
BELA-BELA COUPLE ARRESTED FOR UNLICENSED FIREMAN
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo Major General Jan Scheepers has applauded the Police for the arrest. Suspects will appear in Bela Bela Magistrate court on Friday, May for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
A motorist was shot dead while his brother was wounded during a shootout with unknown suspects on the N1 Bela-Bela in Limpopo on Monday. It is alleged that two brothers aged 34 and 50 were traveling along the N1 South Freeway in a black Opel Corsa motor vehicle on Monday, 17 April 2023 at about 22:30.
Their vehicle was hit by an unknown object next to Mantsole Weigh Bridge in the Waterberg District. They stopped the vehicle and alighted to check its condition and that is when they realized that two of the tyres were spiked and that they couldn’t proceed with their journey.
They decided to change the tyres and while they were busy. A group of people came from the bushes and started insulting and shooting at them. They retaliated by shooting back and the suspects subsequently fled the scene without taking anything from them but two sustained injuries on the upper body.
The Police and the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were summoned to the scene. Both victims were taken to a local hospital where the 50-year-old brother succumbed to his injuries. On arrival while the 34-year-old was admitted for medical attention. The deceased who was a driver of the motor vehicle was identified as Herman Ramollo (50). A a resident of Diepsloot, Gauteng province.
The Police have since launched a Manhunt for the unknown suspects. They ae responsible for the murder and attempted murder of the two.
Police in Bela-Bela call on community members to assist with information that can lead to the apprehension of the suspects. They are belived to have been involved in the murder and attempted murder of two brothers. The armed robbery occurred along the N1 Freeway between Lehau and Mantsole.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the Police in Limpopo Major General Jan Scheepers is calling upon motorists to be cautious. When experiencing problems with their cars motorists are advised to preferably stop at public places where they can get assistance.
Anyone with information that can assist police with investigations should contact the Investigating Officer Lieutenant Colonel Annamarie Smith at 082 319 9336. Crime stop number 0860010111 or nearest police station or MySAPSApp.
Police in Bela-Bela, Limpopo have opened two counts of murder, attempted murder and armed robbery after two women were shot dead.
Others were also injured whilst travelling in a bus in the early hours of Thursday morning, 22 December 2022.
Three suspects apparently boarded a Harare-bound bus at Bosman in Pretoria, pretending to be passengers. The bus belonging to Copperbelt Bus Company, reportedly left Pretoria just after 01:00 on Thursday morning.
TROUBLE INSIDE THE HARARE BOUND BUS
As it passed the Mantsole weigh bridge along the N1 road, one of the suspects allegedly produced a firearm and shot through the front windscreen, forcing the driver to pull over.
Harare bound Bus
WOMEN SHOT DEAD
The other suspects shot dead three women, instantly killing two and also critically injuring the other.
All other passengers were then also ordered to disembark and lie on the ground.
They were thereafter robbed of their belongings, including cash, cellphones and passports. The suspects were thereafter allegedly picked up by another motor vehicle that was apparently following the bus.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has ordered that the suspects be hunted down. Be brought to book.
Anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspects may contact Captain Dana Smith on 081 577 4383. Also the crime stop number 086001011 or send the message via MySAPSApp.
A 52-year-old Police Captain has been arrested for her alleged involvement in corruption on 10 December 2022 in Bela-Bela.
It is alleged that the Police Captain who is attached to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (DPCI) at Pretoria Central, Gauteng Province, had on Saturday 10 December 2022 approached the complainant.
Police Crime
She informed him that there were fraudulent activities happening in his bank account and therefore she is going to freeze his bank accounts. The Police then demanded a gratification of R250 000 in exchange for this not to happen.
POLICE CAPTAIN REPORTED
The matter was reported to the Police who then commenced with investigation.
A sting operation was conducted at Bela Bela. The alleged suspect was arrested after receiving the money from the complainant.
The Limpopo Tourism Agency (LTA) successfully launched its summer campaign as an initiative to promote and drive domestic tourism during this festive season. The campaign was launched on the 10th November 2022 at Meloding Guest House, Bela-Bela.
The Agency collaborated with Limpopo Economic Development and Tourism (LEDET), National Department of Tourism (NDT), South African Tourism (SAT), Limpopo Provincial Tourism Association (LPTA) to drive tourism numbers to the province.
LIMPOPO TOURISM AGENCY SUMMER CAMPAIGN
The campaign was officially launched by the MEC of Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET), Mr. Rodgers Monama. He was supported by the Executive Mayor of Waterberg District Municipality, Cllr, Morris Mataboge, Mayor of Bela-Bela Local Municipality, Cllr. Gloria Seleka. LTA Board Chairperson, Mr. Andrew Dipela and the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee of Limpopo Legislature on Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Mr. Donald Selamolela.
Present also was the Chairperson of LPTA, Mr. Gerhard Franken, Acting Head of Department of LEDET, Mr. Matodzi Rathumbu, and LTA Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Sello Maleka.
“Limpopo province is so rich as it is endowed with minerals, which other people mine but do not benefit. The province also has agriculture and tourism, which is big in the Waterberg District,” said MEC for LEDET, Mr. Rodgers Monama.
COVID-19 IMPACT
“Last year this event coincided with COVID-19 pandemic, Which hit the tourism industry and other related sub-sectors in the tourism value chain. To this end, much effort was and still is required to recover the limping tourism industry.
“The central objective is to increase domestic tourism trips to the province by creating awareness about destination Limpopo. This is further to encourage local citizens to travel and explore various tourism experiences in the province. To ensure that Limpopo is top of mind to all South Africans. As people come to the province in their numbers, that will create employment, to fight poverty and inequality,” he further said.
“The main objective of the campaign will be to position destination Limpopo as a year-round leisure, business, and special interest destination. This has recently been proven when Peter Mokaba Stadium was used as a home ground for Mamelodi Sundowns FC. This was during the 2022 MTN Cup Semi-final game against Orlando Pirates FC whereby the stadium was packed to capacity. That also contributed to tourism and will go down as an historic event in the province. It also boosted our economy benefiting several sectors including informal traders in the province,” Monama said as he concluded.
MEDIA TOUR
The media personalities in attendance were taken to Lerato’s Grill House for a taste of the township tourism experience. The following day they were taken on a tour of two internationally acclaimed attractions.
The first was Nylsvley Nature Reserve. It is a RAMSAR Site with over 390 bird species that annually flock to this wetland. A haven for birds from many parts of the world including Asia and Europe. The second was Makapan’s Valley World Heritage Site, outside Mokopane. This is where the Voortrekkers under Piet Potgieter and the Ndebeles under King Mghombane Gheghana waged war in the 1800’s.
The Limpopo Division of the High Court in Polokwanehave sentenced Sello Bethuel Baloyi (27) to 20 years imprisonment for murder. Baloyi was sentenced for the robbery and murder of Piet Smith (83) on his Droogekloof farm outside Bela-Bela in February of 2021.
The incident took place between 24 February and 25 February 2021 in which the lifeless body of Smith was discovered by one of his workers (accused) inside the house. Police were summoned and they started with initial investigations. A case of the inquest was then opened.
The case was assigned to Captain Smith from Bela-Bela Detectives. It was later revealed through forensic evidence that the deceased was actually shot and killed and the incident was only reported days after. The case was consequently changed to murder.
Farm employee sentenced to 20 years for murder and robbery
SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS FOR MURDER
It was also revealed that the deceased was actually murdered by the accused who was employed on his farm. He later called the police and his family as if he died of natural causes. It was also discovered that he robbed of the deceased his cellphone.
Shortly afterwards, Baloyi was arrested after he was positively linked with the incident. The investigating officer gathered crucial evidence that helped the prosecution secure the conviction.
The accused was sentenced on Wednesday 14 September after he was found guilty of murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances. He was sentenced to 05 years imprisonment for robbery and 15 years for murder. The sentences will run concurrently.
WHAT THE POLICE SAYS…
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has welcomed the sentences.
“We hope the sentences will serve as a deterrent to other criminals that their dubious acts will be exposed and those responsible will be brought to book,” said Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.
Farm killings have been on the rise in South Africa in recent times. Limpopo Police have promised to work day and night to stop the farm killings in the Country.
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