Groblersdal married couple found dead in a pool of blood in their bedroom

Groblersdal married couple found dead in a pool of blood in their bedroom

Two lifeless bodies of a married couple was found in a pool of blood in their bedroom and the firearm was next to the deceased man in Moganyaka village outside Groblersdal.

According to the information, on Saturday 14 October in the morning at about 07:30, the Police responded to a complaint of a shooting incident.

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Upon arrival, they discovered two lifeless bodies of a married couple in a pool of blood in their bedroom. The firearm was next to the deceased man.

It is reported that a 41-year-old man and his wife of 37 years had a heated argument while they were in their bedroom. This happened on the evening of Friday,13 October 2023 at about 21:00.

It is further alleged that on the following morning on Saturday, their Son, a 20-year-old, decided to go home. On arrival at home, he found both his mother and father lying in a pool of blood.  

A GROBLERSDAL MARRIED COUPLE FOUND DEAD AT HOME 

The motive behind the incident is not known and Police investigations are underway. The element of domestic violence cannot be ruled at this stage. Police in Motetema have opened a case of murder and an inquest docket

It is reported that the deceased is a member of The South African Police Service. A Sergeant attached to Tembisa Police Station in Gauteng Province.

According to the information the late Sergeant was on leave when the incident took place. Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe condemned the incident.

She further reiterated her appeal to couples and families to seek assistance from professionals if they are facing domestic-related problems to avoid these painful endings. Police are also investigating the circumstances surrounding this gruesome incident.

Another arrest in Sekhukhune security tender fraud

Another arrest in Sekhukhune security tender fraud

Former CFO at the Sekhukhune District Municipality who has been on the run and alleged to be involved in a security tender fraud scandal, finally handed himself. The 42-year-old is expected to make his first appearance in the Groblersdal Magistrate’s court, Limpopo on Tuesday, 3 October.

Meanwhile, the municipal Senior Administration Officer, Kedibone Magagane who also handed herself to the Hawks on Friday appeared in the Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court on Monday. She was remanded in custody until Wednesday, 4 October 2023 when she will be joining her co-accused.

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It brings to five, the total number of arrests of suspects in connection with the case. The crime was allegedly committed in 2018.

The latest development follows the arrest of two service providers and a former junior employee last week.

Their charges relate to corruption and fraud amounting to approximately R5 million. The Municipal officials are accused of having conspired with the service providers to unlawfully obtain payments for security services that were not rendered.

MORE ARRESTS IN SEKHUKHUNE SECURITY TENDER FRAUD

The matter was reported to the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation members for further probe. On 28 September 2023, a take-down operation was conducted in Groblersdal. It resulted in the arrest of the former municipal official, Andries Mokgotho (45). Two service providers, Bongani Masupye (34) and Shivhadana Murovhi (39).

Hawks arrest three suspects in Sekhukhune tender fraud

Hawks arrest three suspects in Sekhukhune tender fraud

Three suspects believed to be involved in the R5.4 million tender fraud in the Sekhukhune District Municipality in Limpopo have been arrested by the Hawks. The takedown operation was conducted in Groblersdal on Thursday with one more suspect are still on the run.

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Limpopo says efforts are underway to locate another outstanding suspect.

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Hawks’ Limpopo spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Matimba Maluleke says they received a complaint in 2018. This is after the Sekhukhune District Municipality awarded tenders worth over R5 million to different companies to provide security services.

It is further alleged that the former municipal Chief Financial Officer and Senior Administration Officer connived with other companies who never rendered any service to deposit money into their accounts. The money was later shared among themselves. As a result, the companies that rendered the services did not receive their payments.

Maluleke says among the suspects are former and current employees of the Sekhukhune District municipality.

The takedown has resulted in the arrest of the former municipal official, Andries Mokgotho and two service providers, Bongani Masupye and Shivhadana Murovhi.

During the take-down operation, the Senior Administration Officer was not found but she handed herself to the Hawks on Friday. The former CFO is still on the run but he is being traced.

Mokgotho, Masopye and Murovhi who were arrested yesterday already appeared in the Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court on Friday. They are facing fraud and theft charges and they were remanded in custody until 4 October 2023 for formal bail application.

The Senior Administration Officer will make her first appearance in the Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 2 October 2023.

HAWKS MAKE BREAKTHROUGH IN SEKHUKHUNE MUNICIPALITY TENDER FRAUD

He says they are also investigating other fraud and corruption cases reported at the same municipality.

“There are other cases of fraud and corruption that we are still investigating. So as we are busy with the investigation, we believe that soon we will receive the warrant of arrest against the suspects and we are going to plan another takedown operation,” he said. 

Mother, Son accused of murder of a Man who allegedly stole their goats

Mother, Son accused of murder of a Man who allegedly stole their goats

A 42-year old Mother together with her 23-year-old son and two cousins have been accused of murder of a Man who allegedly stole their goats in Sekhukhune District, Limpopo. The four will make their first appearance at Groblersdal Magistrate Court on Monday morning.

They are facing charges of kidnapping, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm [ GBH] and murder. The crime was committed at Morarela, on a farm under the Elandskraal policing area on Saturday, 17 June at about 09:05.’

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According to the police report, the deceased identified as Funky Hlongwane and his 32-year friend, who is a teacher by profession, were at home when they were allegedly kidnapped by the four suspects at about 07:05. They were being accused of stealing goats belonging to a 42-year old-woman.

A Limpopo Mother, Son accused of the murder of a Man who allegedly stole their goats
A Mother from Sekhukhune is being accused of Murder

The duo were taken to a farm and tied with a long robe and severely assaulted with several weapons including a hammer. The teacher was released afterwards while the suspects continued assaulting Funky Hlongwane. The teacher managed to report the incident to the Police.

MOTHER, SON ACCUDED OF MURDER

Police immediately rushed to the premises. Upon arrival found a 35-year-old victim laying down with serious injuries and unable to talk. Members of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were summoned to the scene. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.

The Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has described the incident as senseless and brutal. She further applauded the police for arresting the suspects.

“We keep on mentioning that taking law into your own hands is not a solution. Instead it causes unintended results,” concluded Lieutenant General Hadebe.

Four Limpopo police officers arrested for common robbery 

Four Limpopo police officers arrested for common robbery 

The Limpopo Anti-Corruption Unit on Tuesday arrested four police officers for a common robbery incident that happened last week in Motetema outside Groblersdal in Sekhukhune District.

On Wednesday 08 March 2023, the four suspects were on duty using a marked Police minibus when they reportedly spotted three men withdrawing money from the ATM at the Mall in Groblersdal. Apparently suspected them to be undocumented foreign nationals.

The members allegedly approached them and demanded passports. They thereafter arrested them when they failed to produce passports and put them into their motor vehicle.

Also read: Alleged corrupt Police officers denied bail

While driving along the road, the members allegedly stopped the minibus and forcefully took an amount of R5 000 from the complainant and gave them an amount of R 60 to take a taxi ride home.

 The complainant managed to get assistance and immediately went to Motetema police station to report the incident. A Task Team was established to prove the incident and to locate the members responsible.

The matter was later handed over to the Provincial Anti Corruption Team for further investigations. A warrant of arrest was subsequently issued against them.

A joint operation to execute the warrant was conducted on Tuesday. The four members were arrested while on duty at Sekhukhune District offices in Groblersdal.

“The arrest of these members should send a clear message. The SAPS in this Province does not tolerate any form of criminality. Regardless of who is the perpetrator,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe.

Also read: Limpopo Treasury MEC Seaparo Sekoati tables provincial budget

“The majority of Police members in this Province are loyal, dedicated and passionate about their policing services and those who go astray, decisive steps are taken.” Concluded Lieutenant General Hadebe.

The suspects aged between 31 and 36 appeared before the Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday facing charges of common robbery.

Motetema accident victims laid to rest in a mass funeral 

Motetema accident victims laid to rest in a mass funeral 

The 16 victims of the horrific Motetema accident were laid to rest during a Mass funeral at Tafelkop Stadium, Elias Motsoaledi Municipality on Saturday. 

The sixteen people were killed on road R579 near Groblersdal, Limpopo on Friday, 03 March at around 07:00 am. 

Also read: Premier Mathabatha visit families of the Motetema accident victims

Four light vehicles and three taxis traveling in the direction of Groblersdal were involved in an accident with a truck traveling towards the direction of Motetema.

DRIVER ERROR CITED FOR MOTETEMA ACCIDENT 

Driver error was cited as the second minibus attempted overtaking. He collided with the truck that was heading to Mototema’s direction, affecting the two other cars. As a result, 15 people lost lives on the scene and the other person perished in hospital.

MECs for Health, Transport and Community Safety, Sekhukhune District Mayor and Road Accident Fund have since visited the families. They offered words of comfort, condolences and support until their loved ones are laid to rest. 

Some of the family members of the Motetema accident victims during the mass funeral
Some of the family members of the Motetema accident victims during the mass funeral

LIMPOPO GOVERNMENT COMFORTS THE BEREAVED FAMILIES DURING MASS FUNERAL 

The funeral was attended by amongst others Limpopo MEC for Treasury Seaparo Sekoati, on behalf of Premier Stanley Mathabatha. 

On behalf of the government and the people of Limpopo. I wish to extend our heartfelt and deepest condolences to the families, colleagues, and friends who have lost their loved ones during this incident,” said Sekoati during the keynote address. 

Limpopo MEC for Treasury Seaparo Sekoati giving a keynote address
Limpopo MEC for Treasury Seaparo Sekoati giving a keynote address

“We do admit that no amount of words can heal your broken hearts and mend your heavy souls under these difficult moments. Therefore we pray for God’s comfort and grace to you all in this time of your need.

Also read: 16 lives lost in a horrific Groblersdal accident

“We are aware that amongst the 16 victims of this carnage we are laying to rest today, seven are learners,” he said. 

“We know you were still expecting a lot from your children and friends. That was the case to us as community members and government leaders. A loss of a young child robs us of a potential that they possessed to contribute to the bright future of their lives, their families, and the nation at large.”

RELATED POST: MEC Lerule-Ramakhanya saddened by death of seven learners in Groblersdal

Uncle gets life imprisonment for rape of his niece

Uncle gets life imprisonment for rape of his niece

The Groblersdal Regional Court in Limpopo has convicted and sentenced a 56-year-old man, to life imprisonment for the rape of a 12-year-old minor girl.

The name of the accused is concealed to protect the victim, as he is her uncle. The incident took place in Dennilton, at the victim’s grandmother’s place in 2019.

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LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR UNCLE WHO RAPE AND BRIBED NIECE WITH FOUR RANDS

Upon their arrival at the grandmother’s house, they entered the house and the accused grabbed and dragged her into her aunt’s bedroom. He then undressed her and closed her mouth with his hand and raped her. After the ordeal, he gave the victim four rands and told her not to tell anyone.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the offense, but in aggravation of the sentence, the state Adv. Chwayita Mkhwayimba prayed for a life sentence. He further argued that there are no substantial or compelling circumstances present to the court, to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence.

CULPRIT DECLARED UNFIT TO WORK WITH CHILDREN

Therefore, the court sentenced the accused to life imprisonment, declaring him unfit to possess a firearm and unfit to work with children. The court further said that the name of the accused should be recorded in the sexual offender’s book.

ALSO READ: Father who raped his biological daughter gets 18 years

The National Prosecuting Authority welcomes the sentence. They applaud the good work of Advocate Mkhwayimba and the investigation team.

“We will continue to fight the scourge of Gender-Based-Violence.”

RELATED POST: Hunt for suspects who raped, killed a 2-year-old

16 lives lost in a horrific Groblersdal accident

16 lives lost in a horrific Groblersdal accident

Sixteen people were sadly killed in a horrific Groblersdal accident on road R579 in Motetema near Groblersdal, Limpopo on Friday, 03 March at around 07:00 in the morning.

The accident is suspected to have happened when a minibus taxi collided head-on with a truck and another minibus taxi after overtaking unsafely.

RECKLESS DRIVING CITED FOR HORRIBLE GROBLERSDAL ACCIDENT

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

One of the minibus taxis involved was transporting learners to school. Drivers of the two taxis and six learners are among the sixteen who have died. Four passengers with serious injuries were transported to a nearby health facility for medical attention.

ALSO READ: Seven people killed in a motor vehicle accident in Sekhukhune

The accident scene on road R579-Motetema has since been cleared and the road is now open for traffic.

ANOTHER ACCIDENT IN MANKWENG

Three other people were also killed in a separate accident on the R71 near Ga -Makanye in the Mankweng area in Polokwane this morning. This happened when a truck ignored a stop and collided side-swipe with a Datsun light motor vehicle. Killing all three occupants of the Datsun.

Limpopo MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Florence Radzilani sends condolences to the bereaved families. She has expressed serious concern about the number of fatalities that the Province had already recorded, at this time of the year.

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“These accidents are an indication that something is very wrong when it comes to driver behaviour, as these crashes are caused by reckless driving in most instances.

“We continue to plead with motorists to obey the rules of the road at all times. Ensure that their vehicles are in a roadworthy condition before they can embark on their trips”, said MEC Radzilani.

RELATED POST: Fatal accident victims still to be identified

One of most wanted criminals arrested as festive season operations intensify

One of most wanted criminals arrested as festive season operations intensify

A 37-year-old suspect believed to be part of a gang of most wanted criminals sought by Police has been arrested.

This suspect was apprehended for serious and violent crimes committed in the Sekhukhune district. This was subsequent to a successful tactical intelligence driven operation that was conducted in the Matlerekeng policing area on Thursday 24 November 2022.

The Detective members from Matlerekeng followed information provided by Groblersdal and Marble Hall Crime Intelligence Unit. The information was about a group of criminals terrorising communities with robberies around Dennilton, Matlerekeng including Siyabuswa in the Mpumalanga province.

One of the suspects was tracked down and arrested at Tshikanoshi village after he attempted to also evade the arrest. The suspect fled on foot into the nearby bushes but police gave chase and managed to arrest him.

Most-wanted-criminals-arrested-
Most wanted criminals arrested

MOST WANTED CRIMINALS ARRESTED

During the search at his house, police confiscated the following items; 01 9mm pistol, 01x magazine with 06 live rounds, 64x live rounds, grinder, whiskey brands and undisclosed amount of cash.

Preliminary police investigations positively linked the suspect with four cases of business robbery committed earlier this month.

The suspect will appear before the Mdutjana Magistrate’s Court in Siyabuswa on Monday, 28 November 2022. He faces charges of armed robbery, possession of suspected stolen properties and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

The manhunt for other suspects is also underway.

The Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has commended the members for the successful operation. She has called upon community members to continue assisting the Police in the fight against crime.

Anyone with information that can lead to their arrest should contact the investigating officer Detective Sergeant Frans Feni on 072 414 1748. The crime stop number 0860010111 or the nearest police station or MySAPSApp.

The Police investigation also continues.

Suspects nabbed with over one million worth of illicit cigarettes

Suspects nabbed with over one million worth of illicit cigarettes

Three suspects aged between 24 and 40 appeared before Naboomspruit magistrate court facing charges of dealing in illicit cigarettes and bribery.

Members of the Limpopo Tracking Team, Groblersdal Saps, Limpopo Highway Patrol and Marblehall Saps Reservists conducted a Crime Intelligence led operation upon receiving information about a truck transporting illicit cigarettes from Musina to Gauteng.

They promptly followed the leads, and a described truck was spotted along the N11 road to Marblehall. The truck then cornered and stopped at Roedtan.

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Thorough Search Operation ensued and Police recovered 146 boxes of Remington illicit cigarettes hidden in the compartment of the truck. The cigarettes are valued at R1.8 million. The driver, aged 24 was immediately arrested.

ILLICIT CIGARETTES SUSPECTS ARRESTED

The truck was allegedly escorted by a White Polo, and when the Police were busy, two occupants from the Polo approached them and offered the team an amount of R8700,00 (eight thousand seven hundred). Suspects aged 30 and 40 were also arrested for bribery.

The Police also seized two vehicles, a ’10 ton’ Hyundai truck and a VW Polo TDI.

Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe is extremely impressed by the arrest. She encouraged the team to work harder to squeeze the space for criminals in this province.

The suspects have already appeared in Naboomspruit magistrate court today, 03 February 2022. They will appear again on 10 February 2022 for bail application.

The Police investigations are continuing.