Mashashane Woman arrested for assaulting her mother

Mashashane Woman arrested for assaulting her mother

One of the two daughters who were caught on video assaulting their mother in Mashashane Village, Limpopo, allegedly demanding her social grant money, has been arrested.

The incident occurred in October 2022 at Mashashane Village, Capricorn District.

ALSO READ: Home Affairs official sentenced for selling birth certificates

The two siblings assaulted their mother in a public space, and a passerby captured the incident on video. It was published on different Social Media Platforms.

The video reached the Police on Tuesday, 20 September 2023. The victim aged 49 was approached, and she opened a case of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm against her two daughters.

One of the suspects was also immediately arrested. The arrest of the second suspect is still outstanding, and she will be arrested soon.

VIDEO OF SISTERS ASSAULTING THEIR MOTHER IN LIMPOPO GOES VIRAL

Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has strongly condemned the uncommon incident.

“We shall not tolerate children who abuse their parents in any manner when the family setup collapses in restoring good morals and respect to an extent that the rights of another person are violated. The courts and prisons will always be there for corrective justice.”

The suspect will appear before the Seshego Magistrate’s Court soon facing a charge of Assault GBH.

Limpopo learners die in a Bus accident on their way to school

Limpopo learners die in a Bus accident on their way to school

Two Limpopo learners perished in a Bus accident at Ga-Mamabolo, Capricorn District on Monday morning. The two female learners were on their way to school when a scholar transport bus that they were traveling in lost control and crashed into an old building. They are learners from Sehlomola Primary and MR Mamabolo Secondary schools.

Over twenty learners at the accident and the driver of the bus were rushed to Mankweng Hospital for medical attention. The information about the accident is still a matter of investigation by the authorities.

Also read: Two elderly people found burnt at a Limpopo Hotel

MEC for the Department of Education in Limpopo, Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya is saddened by the untimely death and has passed her sincere and heartfelt condolences to the two families. She wished a speedy recovery to all the learners who are still receiving medical attention.

Limpopo learners die in a Bus accident on their way to school
Mankweng Hospital

LEARNERS DIE IN BUS ACCIDENT

“We woke this morning to the sad news of a bus accident that claimed the lives of our two learners. It is heartbreaking because these kids are the future leaders of the country and we were still expecting to see them grow and achieve their dreams,” she said.

“Our teams of social workers are already dispatched to the schools for debriefing and to offer the much-needed psycho-support. Our prayers are with the families and the teachers during this difficult time,” said MEC Lerule-Ramakhanya.

Two learners are in critical but stable condition while eighteen were treated and released.

Six-hour water shutdown in Polokwane

Six-hour water shutdown in Polokwane

The Polokwane municipality has announced a six-hour water shutdown that will affect most areas scheduled for Thursday. The emergency shutdown is due to the replacement of a worn-out valve at Sand River North Pump Station, Capricorn District.

AREAS TO BE AFFECTED BY WATER SHUTDOWN  

Areas that will be affected include Ladanna, Emdo Mahlako-a-phahla, Mahlasedi, Lesedi, Luthuli, the industrial area of Polokwane X8 and Annadale (including the army base).

Also read: Polokwane Municipality suspends top executives for fraud

Six-hour water shutdown in Polokwane Municipality scheduled for Thursday

Municipal spokesperson Thipa Selala said consumers in areas receiving water are also urged to use it sparingly.

“The shutdown will take place on Thursday, 18 May 2023 from 07h00 to 13h00,” announced the municipality. 

“Consumers in areas receiving water are also urged to use water sparingly. The municipality apologizes for the inconvenience caused. Municipal Call Centre: 015 290 2000/2458/ 015 023 5000 Dedicate Water and Sanitation Helpline: 015 290 2376 WhatsApp: 068 290 8736 .”

Meanwhile, the Municipality has also announced a water supply stoppage from Dap Naude line. It affected the residents and businesses in the City on Wednesday. 

This is due to leakage on a pump line to Dalmada Water Treatment Plant affecting the Krugersburg reservoir.

It took four hours for the Municipality to repair and restore the water supply.  

Polokwane Municipality suspends top executives for fraud

Polokwane Municipality suspends top executives for fraud

The Polokwane Municipality in Capricorn District has placed two of its top executive management on suspension for fraud following a probe into irregularities and maladministration.

The two Polokwane Municipality officials are suspected to have been involved in fraud and corruption. This relates to water project management contracts. As well as buses the municipality acquired on the Leeto la Polokwane programme.

Also read: Polokwane Municipality switches off government departments

A forensic report was commissioned by the council on recommendations by both the Public Protector and the Auditor-General. An amount of R2.9m was paid to an independent investigator to compile a report after an extensive investigation. 17 other employees are also implicated by the report. This includes section managers and directors at the municipality.

Polokwane Municipality Mayor John Mpe

“Council, during a special meeting on Monday (May 8) took a decision to suspend two of its executive management officials in order to make way for them to undergo a disciplinary process,” executive Mayor John Mpe made the announcement during a media briefing on Thursday.

OFFICIALS SUSPENDED FOR FRAUD

“It is also important to note that, as the allegations are made and recommendations arise from the investigations. This does not mean that the officials are guilty of wrongdoing. But only that they have a case to answer to as the principle of innocence until proven guilty applies,” he said.

“The culture of accountability and performance needs to be our way of life in our endeavour to provide quality services for the people of Polokwane.”

Thousands to celebrate at University of Limpopo’s Autumn Graduations

Thousands to celebrate at University of Limpopo’s Autumn Graduations

The University of Limpopo (UL) will on Saturday, 15 April, and Monday, 17th to Saturday, 22nd April 2023 host its Autumn graduations. A total of 3, 888 degrees will be conferred at the University premises in Turfloop, Capricorn District.

About 300 students will graduate in healthcare sciences, with 43 Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB). 61 Bachelor of Pharmacy, 30 Bachelor of Science in Dietetics, 40 Bachelor of Optometry and 76 Bachelor of Nursing.

UNIVERSITY OF LIMPOPO AUTUMN GRADUATIONS

The University’s Faculty of Humanities has also produced 521 teachers (Bachelor of
Education) who will cross the stage to receive their degrees. As a contribution to addressing the worldwide increase in mental health conditions, about 56 Bachelor of Psychology, and Bachelor of Social Work degrees will also be conferred.

Thousands to celebrate at University of Limpopo's Autumn Graduations
Thousands to celebrate at University of Limpopo’s Autumn Graduations

The Faculty of Management and Law will graduate 1,131 graduates from their undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. With the skills acquired, the graduands will undoubtedly contribute to enforcing the rule of law in our country and the continent at large. While others assist in steering the economy in the right direction.

Agriculture remains one of the key pillars of the African economy, and best agricultural
practices will help improve the economy. As such, 831 graduands from the Faculty of Science and Agriculture are expected to contribute to the body of knowledge. Particularly in helping neighbouring communities and farmers resolve issues such as pest control and crop rotation strategies for the farmers.

Furthermore, 339 graduands in science and geology will contribute to the advancement of the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR) and mining fraternity.

GRADUATING AGAINST ALL ODDS

Among the graduands who made it against all odds, due to a busy work schedule is the awarding winning poet and published author, Miss Masingita Shibambu, also known as Ntombhi Ya Mutsonga (23) [Main Picture] from Matiyani village in the Vhembe District.

She will be graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies, on Tuesday, 18 April at 08h00 (morning session). Another popular poet who will be graduating in Miss Kholofelo Phala (23), from Tafelkop in Sekhukhune District, whose academic journey was marred with challenges, including the loss of her father and mother in 2015 and 2022, respectively.

Miss Phala said that her mother was her pillar of strength in her studies and poetry work. She would have loved to celebrate her achievement with her. Miss Phala will be graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, on 18 April at 08h00.

Naughty Boys crowned CEDMAS Top 8 Champions

Naughty Boys crowned CEDMAS Top 8 Champions

The second annual Cedmas Top 8 tournament took place during Easter Weekend with Naughty Boys crowned new Champions. The tournament was staged at the Ajax Sports ground outside Seshego, Capricorn District on Sunday.

The annual Top 8 tournament is hosted to give back to the community founded by CEDMAS Funeral Services founder Cedric Mashala. Former Kaizer Chiefs player Lebogang Manyama, and ex-Orlando Pirates, now Polokwane City midfielder Mpho Makula were also in attendance.

CEDMAS TOP 8 TOURNAMENT A SUCCESS

“The only purpose was to give back to the community. This is also my way of saying thank you for all the support and all these years as a businessman,” said Mashala.

“I didn’t forget where I came from, successful as I am now, it’s about them. I have decided to share what I have accumulated in all those years with those who have supported me.

Naughty Boys crowned CEDMAS Top 8 Champions
Naughty Boys FC beat Mpone White Birds 1-0 in the CEDMAS Top 8 final

“It is wonderful when a community comes together to support this celebration and programmes that improve our youth. I am also happy that the event has grown,” he said.

CHAMPIONS NAUGHTY BOYS ELATED WITH VICTORY

Naughty Boys FC beat Mpone White Birds 1-0 in the final to lift the trophy. For their efforts, they were presented with a cash prize of R15 000 and a floating trophy.

“This is an honour and privilege to win the tournament, especially from the dust hood. We started very slow, but at the end of the day, we managed to prosper,” said Naughty Boys FC head coach Thabiso Ngoepe.

“This is the motivation as young as they are. This shows that there is development in our village. We need this kind of initiative every year. One of the many benefits of regular exercise is increased and sustained energy throughout the day and this was key to our success.

“We feel honoured to be the team that wins the Ced Mas Top 8 tournament, I can guarantee that from the money that we have won, we are also going to spend it wisely and we will buy soccer boots for every player,” said Ngoepe.

Polokwane Municipality struggling with cable theft

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.”

More boys than boys Christmas babies in Limpopo

More boys than boys Christmas babies in Limpopo

Over 217 Christmas babies were born on 25 December 2022 in the Province of Limpopo. This is 36 less babies compared to 2021 Limpopo Christmas babies. 

This year, there were 33 teenage mothers while in 2021 it was just 29 teenage mothers. It is an increase of four. 

There are also 118 boys and 99 girls. 

CHRISTMAS BABIES STATISTICS

Vhembe District

35 boys + 26 girls = 61 babies

Teenage Mothers = 12

Sekhukhune District

26 boys + 21 girls = 47 babies. 

@00h05 a boy weighing 2,8 kg was delivered by a 15-year-old and @00h05 a girl weighing 4,4 kg was delivered by a 30-year-old. 

Teen Mothers=05

Limpopo Christmas babies
Limpopo Christmas babies

Mopani District

28 boys + 24 girls = 52 babies

@00h31 a girl weighing 4200g was delivered by a 35-year-old and @00h45 a boy weighing 3260g delivered by a 16-year-old. 

Teenager Mothers = 06

Waterberg District 

11 boys +  11 girls = 22 babies

@00h00 a girl weighing 2810gwas delivered by a 17 year old mother. 

Teenage Mothers=05

Capricorn District

18 boys + 17 girls = 35 babies.

 @00h09 a boy weighing 3160g by a 28- year-old mother. 

Teenage Mothers = 05

Overall statistics per gender and grand total. 

Boys = 118

Girls = 99

Grand Total = 217 babies

Teenager Mothers = 33

In 2021 we had 29 Teenage Mothers, which is an increase of 04 in 2022.

Comparison in Years

2021= 253 babies

2022= 217 Babies

In 2022, the number of babies are less by 36. 

Seven Women perish in a horrific accident on the R37

Seven Women perish in a horrific accident on the R37

A motor vehicle horrific accident on the R37, Podungwane in Capricorn District has claimed seven lives. The horrific accident happened between a minibus taxi and a truck, before noon today.

The seven women from the minibus were sadly confirmed dead. Two other people who sustained serious injuries were transported to a nearby health facility for medical attention.

Law enforcement officers at the scene cited reckless driving as a possible cause of the crash.

MEC CONCERNED ABOUT HORRIFIC ACCIDENT 

Limpopo MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Florence Radzilani sends condolences to the bereaved families. She wished a speedy recovery  to those who sustained injuries. 

Horrific accident in Lebowakgomo
Horrific accident in Lebowakgomo

“To receive such news during festive holidays is heartbreaking. I can’t begin to imagine what the families of the deceased have to endure. May they find strength to get through this difficult time. 

We continue to plead with motorists to obey the rules of the road, for everyone to arrive alive at their respective destinations,” said MEC Radzilani 

Polokwane Municipality Monday water supply status

Polokwane Municipality Monday water supply status

The effects of loadshedding are still felt on water supply in areas within Polokwane Municipality, Capricorn District.

Challenges experienced by Lepelle Northern Water on both Olifantspoort and Ebenezer plants are taking part on the situation.

POLOKWANE MUNICIPALITY WATER ISSUE

Ebenezer Plant is currently not pumping water to Municipality due to, according to Lepelle Northern Water, “pump station 3 (ps3) failure”. The water utility said Eskom is aware of the challenge.

Polokwane Municipality Monday water supply status
Polokwane

AREAS AFFECTED

Most areas of Polokwane are experiencing water shortage. Those include, amongst others, upper areas of Flora Park, Sterpark and Moregloed. Madiba Park, Legae la Batho, Zones 2, 3, 7 and 8 in Seshego and Extensions 71, 73, 75, and 76.

Areas not mentioned here but experiencing water supply challenges are advised to report promptly to Water and Sanitation helpline so that the municipality can come to their aid.