Collins Chabane Municipality hosts prayer session against social ills

Collins Chabane Municipality hosts prayer session against social ills

Mayor of the Collins Chabane Municipality in Limpopo, Shadrack Maluleke led the Inter-faith Mass Prayer Day against all social ills. The prayer session was held at the municipality Hall in Malamulele on Thursday.

The Inter-faith Mass Prayer Day is aimed at seeking divine intervention against the increasing number of car accidents, premature death, crime and all social ills currently facing the people of Collins Chabane.

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Religious leaders from various faith organizations led people in prayer and gave words of encouragement and support.

According to Collins Chabane Municipality Mayor Gezane Shadrack Maluleke, the Inter-faith Mass Prayer Day was organised to pray in mass seeking divine intervention.

“In our roads, we have always had public transportation virtually denoting horror. Our private transport, in particular public transport, has painted gory pictures of minibus crashes. Bodies of our loved ones scattered on our roads. We have seen criminal activities in broad daylight and also assassinations under the cover of darkness. When we have prayers for peace such as this one here today, it is also important that we pledge ourselves to end road carnage on our roads,” said Maluleke.

Collins Chabane Municipality hosts prayer session against social ills
Collins Chabane Municipality Mayor, Shadrack Maluleke

He also appeals to the community leaders to apply their minds. As to how best they can contribute to road safety campaigns.

“We must as well pray for political tolerance, repentance, and love, restoration of ubuntu. Peaceful coexistence amongst citizens,” he said.

COLLINS CHABANE MUNICIPALITY PRAYER SESSION

Collins Chabane Pastors Forum General Secretary, Apostle Khazamula Thompson Nwaila it was a historic day wherein Pastors, Intercessors, Municipality Officials, Traditional Leaders, and other Stakeholders converged together as one to seek the face of God.

“On behalf of Collins Chabane Pastors Forum and the entire Christian community of Collins Chabane, we would like to extend our words of gratitude to the Mayor and his colleagues for granting us an opportunity for Prayer. All the Leaders followed the direction and orders given by pastors who were responsible for prayer Items. The atmosphere of God’s presence could also be felt by everyone. We also believe that God has heard our prayers and Collins Chabane Municipality will never be the same,” said Nwaila.

Home Affairs official sentenced for selling birth certificates

Home Affairs official sentenced for selling birth certificates

Malamulele Home Affairs official Peter Baloyi has been sentenced to five years imprisonment for selling fraudulent birth certificates. The 40-year-old was convicted and sentenced by the Giyani Specialized Commercial Crimes Court on Monday, 18 September 2023.

In December 2021, the Polokwane-based Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation members received a complaint about Baloyi.

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The complaint was followed up and it was discovered that Baloyi was buying fraudulent birth certificates from Mdunwazi Ngwenyama who is a former Home Affairs official at a cost of R1000.  

On 8 December 2021, Baloyi and Ngwenyama were arrested for corruption and released on R1000. On 18 September 2023, Baloyi appeared before the court where he pleaded guilty to corruption.

OFFICIAL AT HOME AFFAIRS SENTENCED FOR CORRUPTION

Baloyi was convicted and sentenced to five years imprisonment or pay a R 6000 fine. He was further sentenced to two years imprisonment which is suspended for five years. On condition that the accused is not found guilty of related offences.

The case of corruption against Ngwenyama is still pending. His next court date will be on 27 November 2023 at Giyani Specialised Commercial Crimes Court, Mopani District in Limpopo.

Fashion design a calling for Shikombiso Bila

Fashion design a calling for Shikombiso Bila

Despite graduating in Information Technology Software Development Shikombiso Bila from Nghezimani Village has ultimately chosen fashion design as her path. Bila is from the Village situated outside Malamulele in the Vhembe District, Limpopo.

She obtained her IT qualification from the Tshwane University of Technology [TUT].

She says her journey started when she was just playing around with garments. Today she has dressed well-known people such as DJ Lady Shiks, Gigi LaMayne and also contributed to Sho Madjozi’s book Shoma and Stars.

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“I grew up loving fashion and modeling so when I went to study IT in TUT, most of my friends picked it up that I was passionate about fashion,” she explains. “They advised me to enroll in a fashion course, but I went ahead with IT.”

Fashion design a calling for Shikombiso Bila
A design by Shikombiso Bila

But it was in 2017 that she eventually followed her calling and started the fashion design business.

“To me, it’s more than designing, I want to be part of people who will preserve the Xitsonga tradition or culture through fashion. Crocheting garments means expressing myself through fashion, but also taking into consideration the needs of my customers,” said Bila.

WHY SHIKOMBISO BILA CHOSE FASHION DESIGN OVER IT

One day Bila posted crochet hats on social media and people were interested, as they say, the rest is history.

“I decided to do it full-time.  My goal is to have a production house and produce as many products as possible so that I can cater to the international market, which also means employing as many people as I can and solving unemployment.

“I would like to see young girls proud and celebrate heritage daily, I would like to see young girls rocking xibelani at a mall or any other place and being proud of it,” said Bila.

 “I am motivated by seeing my customers happy with the outfits I make for them, that gives me joy and motivation to go on. It’s consistent, so do it over and over again until you become the best.

“Giving 100% effort every day, you’ll succeed. And don’t give up, try again and again until you reach where you want to be,” she said.

Although the crocheting industry is thriving internationally, she still faces a huge challenge in her own country.

“I love it when people take my work internationally as well. Business needs most of my time and life is also demanding, especially as a mother. I try by all means to balance my life and my work. But the best thing is to create working hours and stick to them so that I can spend time with my family and friends,” she said.

Fashion design a calling for Shikombiso Bila
Shikombiso Bila sign

FAMILY SUPPORT IS EVERYTHING

“My father is my number one supporter, he’s the one who even pushed me to open my first shop. When I told my parents that I was going to be a designer full-time, my mom just said, go for it. As long as you’ll give your customers good service and I’ve been doing exactly that.

“My two sons are my inspiration, I am doing this for them so they know that success is a mindset. I want them to also go after their dreams,” she explains.

She advises other young women who want to follow in her footsteps. Start where they are with what they have. 

Traffic officer killed by a speeding taxi laid to rest

Traffic officer killed by a speeding taxi laid to rest

The funeral service of the Limpopo Traffic official Hlanganani Sonia Moyana who was killed by a speeding taxi took place in Malamulele on Saturday. Her life was celebrated by community members at the Malamulele Community Hall in the Collins Chabane Municipality.

Mayor of Collins Chabane, Shadrack Maluleke led mourners to bid farewell to Moyana.

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The 31-year-old was killed by a speeding minibus taxi while on duty on 11 August on R524 road at Ximixoni Village outside Saselamani.

She was part of a group of young people who were recruited by the Collins Chabane Local Municipality in July 2022 for a learnership programme. She graduated this year and started working as a Traffic official on the 1st of August 2023.

Funeral Service of the Limpopo Traffic officer Sonia Moyana takes place over the weekend
Sonia Moyana memorial service

During his speech, Mayor Shadrack Maluleke emphasized that drivers should always adhere to the rules of the road.

FUNERAL SERVICE HELD IN HONOUR OF LIMPOPO TRAFFIC OFFICER SONIA MOYANA 

A memorial service for Sonia Moyana was also held at the community hall in Malamulele on Thursday.

The deceased died just four days after he started working as a Limpopo Traffic officer. The accident happened on the R524 road near Saselamani.

Members from various Collins Chabane Municipalities also came in large numbers to pay tribute to their colleagues.

Traffic officer killed by a speeding taxi while on duty

Traffic officer killed by a speeding taxi while on duty

A Limpopo Female Traffic officer, who just got employed a week ago, was killed by a speeding taxi while on duty in Ximixoni Village near Malamulele on Friday.

According to reports, the accident happened at the R524 road outside Saselamani, under Collins Chabane Local Municipality earlier today.  The female Traffic Officer was reportedly performing her duties when a Toyota minibus hit both the officer and the Toyota LDV that she was inspecting.

ALSO READ: On-duty Limpopo Traffic officer killed by speeding car

Reckless driving is stated as a possible cause of the accident. A case of culpable homicide has been opened at Saselamani Police Station.

The Officer has been identified as Hlanganani Sonia Moyana, who was 31 years of age. She was part of the group of young people who were recruited by the Municipality last year for a learnership programme.

They graduated this year in July and started working as Traffic Officials during the month of August 2023.

MEC RADZILANI SADDENED BY XIMIXONI VILLAGE ACCIDENT THAT KILLED FEMALE OFFICIAL

MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Florence Radzilani has sent a message of condolences to the family of the deceased. Radzilani expressed her sadness and believes the deceased was going to serve our people with integrity and commitment to keep our people safe on the roads.

“We urge everyone to abide by the rules on our roads. Treat our Officers with respect, to avoid causing pain to other people with accidents we could all prevent.

“We also encourage everyone to take extra precautions during this weekend. Follow the rules on our roads,” said MEC Radzilani. 

Unknown suspects bomb an ATM in Malamulele

Unknown suspects bomb an ATM in Malamulele

Police in Limpopo have launched a manhunt for unknown suspects who bombed an ATM at a local filling Station at Makumeke village, Malamulele on Wednesday, 09 August.

According to information, the Security officer was inside the guard room at about 02:30 when he heard a motor vehicle stop at the main road. He peeped through the window and saw an unknown male walking towards the ATM.

ALSO READ: Thugs rob Fidelity security guards in Malamulele 

A second male appeared and walked to the guard room and tried to open it but he couldn’t. Minutes later there was an explosion at the ATM and that is when he called the Police.

Unknown suspects bombed an ATM in Makumeke Village, Malamulele
Malamulele ATM Bombed

ATM BOMBED AT MAKUMEKE VILLAGE IN MALAMULELE

The Police rushed to the scene but the suspects had already fled the scene. The suspect got away with an undisclosed amount of money. The Police are following possible leads.

Anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspect can contact the Investigating Officer Colonel Ndou on 0828072666. Crime stop number 0860010111 or nearest police station or MySAPSApp.

Thugs rob Fidelity security guards in Malamulele 

Thugs rob Fidelity security guards in Malamulele 

The Hawks in Limpopo have launched a manhunt for armed suspects who allegedly robbed Fidelity security guards in Malamulele. It is alleged that on 4 August 2023, at about 08:39 Fidelity Cash Solutions Security officials were about to load money into the Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) at Masingita Mall in Malamulele.

They were accosted by a group of about six men who were armed with firearms.

ALSO READ: A newborn baby found dead inside a stove in Malamulele

It is further alleged that the suspects pointed the official with firearms and robbed him of two canisters containing an undisclosed amount of money.

Thugs rob Fidelity security guards in Malamulele
Fidelity security guards

During the robbery, a firearm with ammunition belonging to the security company was also robbed.

FIDELITY SECURITY GUARDS ROBBED IN MALAMULELE

It is reported that the suspects fired several shots before they fled the scene. They used a white Nissan NP 300 single cab. No one was reportedly injured during the shooting.

The Hawks are appealing to anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspects to contact Captain George Mutavhatsindi on 0713517275. Alternatively,  information can be shared via the crime stop number on 08600 10111 or My SAPS App.

A newborn baby found dead inside a stove in Malamulele

A newborn baby found dead inside a stove in Malamulele

Community members at Ximixoni Village in Malamulele got the shock of their lives following a gruesome discovery of a dead newborn baby inside a stove. According to the Vhembe Observer, a newborn baby was found dead inside a stove in the Village under Collins Chabane Municipality.

ALSO READ: An unknown decomposed body found dumped in Malamulele

The baby was discovered on Sunday morning in an old, dilapidated stove. The biological mother of the child has not been traced.

NEWBORN BABY FOUND INSIDE A STOVE

The Police in Malamulele, Limpopo quickly responded after they were called to the scene of the newborn baby.

More to follow…

An unknown decomposed body found dumped in Malamulele

An unknown decomposed body found dumped in Malamulele

Police in Malamulele, Limpopo are calling upon the members of the Community to come forward and identify an unknown decomposed body that was found floating inside a sewage pipe. The unknown body was found at Photani Secondary School in Mulamula village on Friday 28 July at about 14:00.

According to reports, Police received a complaint about a corpse that was seen inside an open sewage pipe and rushed to the premises. Upon their arrival at the scene, they found an unknown body floating inside the sewage pipe.

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The members of the Search and Rescue Diving Unit were immediately summoned to the scene. They managed to retrieve a body that was wearing blue jeans with Traditional bangles.

The gender or sexuality of the body could also not be determined at the scene. This is due to the stage of decomposition during the discovery.

DECOMPOSED BODY FOUND FLOATING IN MALAMULELE

The corpse is currently stored in the Giyani Government mortuary. A postmortem to determine the cause of death will also be conducted in due course.

Police are calling upon anyone who have lost a loved one or relative to contact the Investigating Officer Warrant Officer Mzamani Shivhambu on 082 3199 724. Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or also a nearest police station or MysapsApp.

Hitchhikers warned after a Man was throwing out of a Vehicle

Hitchhikers warned after a Man was throwing out of a Vehicle

Police in Limpopo have sent a strong warning to community members who are still hitchhiking unknown motor vehicles. This warning comes against a background of an incident that took place, on Tuesday, 25 July at around 10:00 in the bushes along R81 road Xikukwani Village, Giyani.

A 28-year-old male victim was allegedly hitchhiking at the traffic lights of Siyandhani along R81 going to Malamulele. A silver Datsun car with two occupants including the driver stopped. They apparently offered him a lift together with another man.

ALSO READ: Limpopo health official caught selling ARVs to foreigners

On the way, the driver then suggested to the occupants that he needed to via nearby bushes to buy firewood.

 While in the bushes, he allegedly stopped the vehicle and suddenly, everyone including the other hitchhiker threatened him with a knife and firearms, demanding money.

Hitchhiking in Limpopo is discouraged after a Giyani Man was throwing out of a Vehicle
Giyani

MAN SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES OF HITCHHIKING

The three suspects robbed him of a cellphone and money. They also tried to access funds from his bank account through an App but it was insufficient. They pushed him out of the vehicle and drove off at high speed.

The victim immediately notified the Police and a manhunt to arrest the suspects was launched.

“It is more safe and reliable to make use of public transport,” said Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.

“People can avoid becoming victims in the hands of these ruthless and heartless criminals by making use of Public Transport. Your precious life is more valuable so take it seriously,” concluded Lieutenant General Hadebe.

The Police opened a case of robbery with a firearm.

Anyone with information that can assist the Police to arrest these criminals should contact Detective Warrant Officer Hobyani @ 071 1637 272. Crime stop number 08600 10111 or the nearest Police Station or MysapsApp.