Stolen vehicle intended to be smuggled outside the country recovered 

Stolen vehicle intended to be smuggled outside the country recovered 

A 35-year-old Man was apprehended traveling on a stolen vehicle along the N1, Mokopane from Johannesburg heading to Beitbridge Border Post to be smuggled out of the country. He was caught by the members of the Provincial Tracking Team in collaboration with Private Security and Investigation Company on Tuesday.

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Lebowakgomo Crime Intelligence Unit provided information about a stolen silver Grey Toyota Fortuner. It was reportedly stolen last week Wednesday, 25 October 2023 in Benoni, Gauteng. 

An intelligence-driven operation was conducted to locate it. The Toyota Fortuner fitting the description was spotted and forced to stop at Nyl Plaza Tollgate. 

POLICE RECOVER STOLEN VEHICLE BEING SMUGGLED OUT OF THE COUNTRY 

A 35-year-old South African male from Springs was immediately arrested on the spot for possession of a stolen motor vehicle. 

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect was arrested last year in the Marble Hall policing area with the intention to smuggle a Toyota Fortuner to Zimbabwe. But his case was later withdrawn in court. In addition, it is alleged that last week he also managed to smuggle a Toyota Fortuner to Zimbabwe via Beitbridge Port of Entry (POE).

Further information indicated that he had links with a known suspect who was arrested this year in September month in possession of a Toyota Hilux bakkie while also attempting to smuggle it to Zimbabwe.

The other suspect will be appearing at Mokopane Magistrate court today, 01 November 2023, facing charges of possession of a stolen motor vehicle.

The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe is delighted regarding the sterling work that is continuously displayed by the police in combating the smuggling of stolen motor vehicles in Limpopo province. 

The suspect is expected to appear before the Mokopane Magistrate court soon facing charges of possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle.

Mokopane abuzz as Unicorn Riders Motorcycle Club celebrate in style

Mokopane abuzz as Unicorn Riders Motorcycle Club celebrate in style

More than 1 500 bikers flocked to Mahwelereng Stadium, Mokopane on Saturday for the third annual Unicorn Riders MCC rally.

The event started with a Career Day in Mahwelereng on Saturday with more than 1000 learners from various schools in Mokopane attending the third annual Career Exhibition.

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The main event took place on Saturday when the Bikers rode to Legae la Batho Care Centre. Local residents were treated to some stunts from the drivers.

The Unicorn Riders was formed by a group of friends and in the past 10 years has become one of the fastest-growing motorbike clubs in Limpopo and nationally.

“Unicorn Riders MCC have only gone from strength to strength since then. We hope for many years to come this will become a legacy to our all-time generation,” says Unicorn Riders MCC president, Rampete Rams Rangata.

“Unicorn Riders MCC values quality over quantity. I am very proud to say that we have reached forty bikers in the team. We hope that we are still going to have more members in the team.

‘The rally went well from career day to the main event. I love the charity run that we did for Legae la Batho Care Centre, those people deserve more,” he added.

UNICORN RIDERS MCC CELEBRATES ANNUAL RALLY IN STYLE

The Rally also serves as the inauguration of the new members who join Unicorn Riders MCC.

“As a team, we are still going to do more for them. At the end of the day, we enjoyed the support from various biking clubs who came in large numbers. Our rally has now become bigger and better.

“We would like to inspire and motivate learners in our communities to focus on education and stay away from drugs and criminal activities, to become great members of society through education,” said Rangata.

Mogalakwena councillors case provisionally withdrawn

Mogalakwena councillors case provisionally withdrawn

The High Court in Polokwane has provisionally withdrawn the murder case against five suspects in connection with the double murder of Mogalakwena local municipality councillors. Vaaltyn Kekana and Ralph Kanyane were gunned down in Mokopane in 2019.

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The trial of the five accused Victor Tolly Mashamaite, Samuel Mokonyana, Lucky Mohlala, Matsobane Mashishi, and Mfana Mohlabisi was set to begin this week.

However, the case was provisionally withdrawn on Thursday after the state presented new evidence to the court. They requested a postponement in the matter.

MOGALAKWENA COMMUNITY CONFIDENT JUSTICE WILL BE SERVED FOR COUNCILLORS MURDER CASE

Chairperson of the Mogalakwena Concerned and Affected Communities Motlatso Selomo says they are disappointed that the case was provisionally withdrawn.

She says they do however remain hopeful that justice will prevail.

“We remain resolute as the community of Mogalakwena that justice will prevail because we are looking at this matter.

“We are seriously from day one waiting and saying justice must be served for our leaders. There is hope that indeed Justice will prevail.”

Thohoyandou man who killed his girlfriend caught in Mokopane

Thohoyandou man who killed his girlfriend caught in Mokopane

A 27-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday from his hideout in Mokopane following the fatal stabbing of his 19-year-old girlfriend in Thohoyandou.

The suspect was apprehended at Mahwelereng Zone 17, outside Mokopane in Limpopo by the members of the Thohoyandou Task Team. This is after receiving information about his hideout in the area.

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It is alleged that on Sunday 03 September 2023 at about 22:40, Police received a complaint about a female victim who was stabbed at Ha-Magidi village. They immediately proceeded to the scene.

Upon arrival, Police found the members of Emergency Medical Services (EM) busy attending to a 19-year-old victim. She later succumbed to her injuries at the scene. The deceased was identified by next of kin as Ridodzula Mudzanani who is from Mbaleni village.

Thohoyandou man arrested for stabbing girlfriend to death 
Mahwelereng

MAN ARRESTED IN MOKOPANE FOR STABBING HIS GIRLFRIEND TO DEATH

Preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased was walking when she met her boyfriend. After a few minutes, a member of a community heard the girlfriend screaming for help. This is after being stabbed with a sharp object allegedly by the suspect who fled the scene on foot.

The couple had two kids and the motive of the incident is unknown at this stage but domestic violence cannot be ruled out.

After a week of the Incident, a male person was found dead. The Identity Documents of the 27-year-old wanted suspect were found next to the deceased. Giving the impression that he was the one dead and as the investigation continued it transpired that the deceased individual had his own ID in his pockets.

Through further extensive investigations, the Police found out that the unknown body was not of the suspect. As such they continued to trace him until his arrest in Mahwelereng.

“I can assure criminals that the long arm of the law shall never fail. It will follow and catch up with you no matter how long it takes and how far you go. It is evident that they will be nabbed, prosecuted and incarcerated for the evil crimes they commit in the society,” said Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.

The suspect is expected to appear before the Thohoyandou Magistrate court soon facing charges of murder.

Limpopo fake soldier to appear in court

Limpopo fake soldier to appear in court

Police in Limpopo have arrested a fake soldier impersonating a member of the SANDF along the Mokopane main road. The 32-year-old was nabbed on Sunday, 27 August 2023 at about 20:00.

According to information, the members of the crime prevention unit were conducting routine patrols when they came across a suspicious-looking man wearing SANDF uniform, driving a silver Toyota Corolla along Mokopane main road.

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They stopped him and asked him to identify himself. The man was unable to identify himself or provide proof of him being a member of the SANDF or give the details of his superiors.

Limpopo fake soldier to appear in court
Mokopane Town

The Police proceeded to search his vehicle and found in his possession two unlicensed firearms, a pellet gun, two empty magazines, and a military uniform.

LIMPOPO FAKE SOLDIER TO MAKE A COURT APPEARANCE

He was subsequently arrested and charged. He will appear before Mokopane Regional Court on Tuesday 29 August 2023. The man faces charges of impersonating a SANDF member and possession of unlicensed firearms.

The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi, commended the team for their vigilance. She further reiterated that: “Crime will not be tolerated or go unpunished.”

“People should know that wearing the military uniform without authority is a punishable offense.” said General Thembi Hadebe.

A Limpopo Matric learner killed by fellow learner in a school camp 

A Limpopo Matric learner killed by fellow learner in a school camp 

A Matric learner from Mpirwabirwa Secondary School near Mokopane, Limpopo was killed by a fellow learner during a school camp. The incident took place on Friday. The learner was allegedly hit on the head with an object by another learner at the Matric School Camp.

The Matric learner, identified as Willem Ngoepe died in hospital on Friday. 

ALSO READ: Life sentence for Mokopane man who raped a 5-year-old 

Limpopo Education MEC Mavhungu Lerule Ramakhanya has sent a message of condolences to the Ngoepe family. The department also confirmed that Social workers will be dispatched to the school on Monday. 

MATRIC LEARNER KILLED DURING SCHOOL CAMP

“Limpopo Education MEC Mavhungu Lerule Ramakhanya has sent a message of condolences to the Ngoepe family following the untimely death of their son, Willem Ngoepe, who died on Friday after he was allegedly hit on the head with an object by another learner at the Matric School Camp. The incident happened at Mpirwabirwa Secondary School on Thursday evening and the learner succumbed to injuries the following day,”

“Social workers will be dispatched to the school on Monday to offer psycho-social support,” announced the department. 

The Police in Limpopo are yet to issue more details regarding the death of the Matric learner. The department also confirmed that a case has been reported to SAPS.

A Limpopo Matric learner killed by fellow learner in a school camp 
MEC Mavhungu Lerule Ramakhanya

WOMEN’S MONTH CELEBRATIONS

Meanwhile, MEC Lerule-Ramakhanya will on Monday, 21 August 2023 join hundreds of ECD practitioners and ECD Forums in celebration of Women’s Month. The MEC and Practitioners from the four local Vhembe municipalities will use the opportunity to encourage communities to register their Early Childhood Development centre with the Department of Education in order to receive funding and support.

The MEC and ECD Imbokodo celebration will be preceded by a solidarity fun walk. It from the Vhembe District government complex to Thohoyandou indoor sports centre.

A 17-year-old arrested for selling Nyaope in Mahwelereng

A 17-year-old arrested for selling Nyaope in Mahwelereng

The Limpopo Highway Patrol Unit have arrested a 17-year-old suspect for selling Nyaope drugs in Mahwelereng Zone1 outside Mokopane. On Saturday, the Unit and Mahwelereng Visible Policing were doing a tour of the area.

They spotted a male suspect in possession of 60 packets of cross dagga which is a mixture of nyaope and dagga worth R1650.00. 12 pieces of rock valued at R2200.00.

ALSO READ: Mahwelereng Girlfriend murderer on the run

 It was also discovered that he was in possession of a cash amount of R3450. The suspect has been charged with unlawful possession and dealing with illicit drugs.

A 17-year-old arrested for selling Nyaope in Mahwelereng
Nyaope

17-YEAR-OLD CAUGHT SELLING NYAOPE IN MAHWELERENG

 Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe welcomed the arrest of the suspect. She further praised the team members for removing the drugs from the Community.

“These drugs are busy destroying the future of the people, especially the young ones” Together with the Community we will continue to uproot them,” she said.

The suspect is expected to appear before Mahwelereng Magistrate’s Court on Monday. 

A mentally challenged man throws himself into the Mogalakwena river

A mentally challenged man throws himself into the Mogalakwena river

A 39-year-old mentally challenged man from Sekgakgapeng, outside Mokopane, has reportedly thrown himself in the Mogalakwena River and drowned. It is alleged that the man left his home on 27 July, at about 13:00.

He was recognised by a neighbour, who then called his family, but he had already drowned. An Inquest case was opened by Mahwelereng Police.

MAN FOUND DROWNED IN THE MOGALAKWENA RIVER

Police at Mahwelereng Waterberg District, Limpopo received a complaint about drowning and immediately sent members of the Provincial Search and Rescue Unit to the scene.

A mentally challenged man throws himself into the Mogalakwena river
Mokopane Town

In another incident, a 28-year-old mentally challenged woman who was highly pregnant was reported to the Police on Tuesday, 25 July.

This after it was noticed the baby had slipped into the pit toilet while she was using the restroom to relieve herself. She then hurried to the hospital for help.

Search and Rescue Team as well as Emergency Services Personnel discovered the stillborn and was retrieved. The woman is still in the hospital for medical attention. Police have opened a case of concealment of birth. She is residing at Ga-Matshana Penge.

POLICE ISSUE STRING WARNING

To prevent this kind of disaster, Police are pleading with the community to take care of mentally challenged family members and send them to the appropriate institution for their well-being.

Commissioner of Police Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has cautioned the families to take care of the mentally challenged family members. She also urged families to get professional aid for them.

Thugs steal wheelbarrows at a seedling company in Mokopane

Thugs steal wheelbarrows at a seedling company in Mokopane

A group of thugs allegedly robbed the employees of a seedling and instant lawn company at Mokopane, Limpopo on Sunday, 23 July.

Amongst the items, they took off with money, clothes and company wheelbarrows. The incident took place at around 19:00.

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One of the victims, aged 58, was allegedly sleeping in her room at work quarters when a group of four men broke into her room and pointed at her with firearms, demanding money. They robbed her cash money and proceeded to other rooms. Wherein, other employees were also robbed of money, clothes and company wheelbarrows among other items.

The victims further allege that they were assaulted during the robbery and sustained minor injuries. The Police were alerted about the incident and a manhunt was immediately activated.

SEEDLING COMPANY ROBBED IN MOKOPANE

The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe appealed to the community members to come forward with valuable information, in order for suspects to be arrested.

Anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspects should contact Detective Sergeant Lekolwane Maleka at 0723291150. Crime stop number 0860010111 or the nearest Police Station or MysapsApp.

Life sentence for Mokopane man who raped a 5-year-old 

Life sentence for Mokopane man who raped a 5-year-old 

The Regional Court in Mokopane, Limpopo on Tuesday convicted and sentenced Jankie Jan Thulare [23] to life imprisonment for the rape of a 5-year-old girl.

The court heard that the accused Jankie raped a 5- year-old girl on 29 April 2017 at about 17h45. The victim was playing with other children at the accused’s residence in Sodoma village in Waterberg District. 

ALSO READ: Mokopane Man kills his mother, sister and nephew

The Court heard that the accused forcefully grabbed the victim and went outside on the street. He ordered her to undress and then sexually assaulted her until the victim’s mother heard the familiar cry of her daughter.

Life sentence for Mokopane man who raped a 5-year-old in Limpopo
Mokopane Entrance

She went closer and then discovered that the accused was busy raping her child. The victim’s mother then informed the community. they in turn assisted her to report the incident to the family of the accused and to the police.

The victim was taken to the nearest hospital for medical attention as the mother discovered that she was in pain. 

LIFE SENTENCE FOR RAPE OF 5-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN LIMPOPO

The case of rape was opened at SAPS Gilead. It was transferred to Mokopane Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) for further investigations.

The accused was successfully traced and arrested on Wednesday 16 February 2022. Sergeant Lesetja Frans Langa was assigned to investigate the case. He successfully opposed the bail against the accused until he was convicted for rape and sentenced to one life imprisonment. 

The accused was also declared unfit to possess a firearm and the Court also ordered for his name to be endorsed in the National Register for Sexual Offenders. He is also deemed unsuitable to work with children.