Limpopo to pursue international license for Hoedspruit Airport

Limpopo to pursue international license for Hoedspruit Airport

After a few years of deliberation, the Limpopo government has made a decision to pursue an international license for the Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport. The Airport situated in Maruleng Municipality, Mopani District is also one of the busiest airports domestically.

Before COVID-19, the Airport saw over 71,000 passengers through its facilities. 75 percent of these were international tourists from Central Europe and also the Scandinavian Countries.  

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The majority of them land in Cape Town, and proceed to the Hoedspruit Airport. Which is the gateway to the Kruger National Park and many other attraction sites.

On Tuesday the Department of Transport and Community Safety revealed that MEC Florence Radzilani, met with Maruleng Municipality Mayor, Tsheko Musolwa. They held a chart for a way forward regarding a decision by the Limpopo Provincial Government Executive Committee, to have the Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport, to be accorded an international license.

BIG PLANS FOR HOEDSPRUIT EASTGATE AIRPORT

“MEC Radzilani and Mayor Musolwa were joined in this meeting, by teams of high-profile officials. This includes from the Maruleng Local Municipality. The Department of Transport and Community Safety and the Gateway Airport Authority Limited,” said the department.

“A few years ago, as part of reinvigorating and repositioning the Provincial Economy, the Limpopo Provincial Government resolved to convert the Hoedspruit Aerodrome License into an International Operating License.

“This decision was informed by the number of passengers using the Hoedspruit Airport, annually,” they said.

Limpopo to pursue an international license for Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport
Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport

HOW THE INTERNATIONAL LICENCE AT HOEDSPRUIT WILL HELP LIMPOPO GOVERNMENT

The international license is seen as an added advantage to both the tourism and agricultural sectors. Which are the mainstay of the Maruleng and also the Provincial Economy.

“A joint Technical Committee, comprising of Officials from the Maruleng, the Department and also its entity GAAL, is working on modalities to acquire an international license for the Hoedspruit Airport. The Committee will be engaging with the National Department of Transport and the South African National Defense Force. To chart a way forward in pursuant to this objective.

“Upon its logical conclusion, the Airport will create an unfettered market of international travellers into Limpopo,” they concluded.

Man brutally murdered in a love triangle in Giyani  

Man brutally murdered in a love triangle in Giyani  

Police in Giyani, Limpopo have launched a manhunt for a male suspect after another man was murdered in a love triangle. The 33-year-old was murdered at Xitlakati Village in the Mopani District. 

It is alleged that a female person was at her homestead seated outside with her boyfriend on Sunday.

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They were suddenly approached by a man who is believed to be having a love affair with the same female. He asked to speak to her though she refused and asked him to come the following day.

It is further alleged that the suspect attacked the victim who was sitting with the woman. He chased the victim who ran away from the suspect into the dark place on the street.

MAN KILLED IN GIYANI LOVE TRIANGLE 

It appears that the suspect caught up with the victim [now deceased] and stabbed him in the chest with a sharp object. 

According to the reports the deceased managed to inform a witness before he could die that he was stabbed by the known suspect. 

The Police received a complaint of murder on the morning of Monday 25 September 2023. On their arrival at the scene, they found the lifeless body of a man on the street in a pool of blood with a stab wound.  The deceased was later identified by his sister as Amukelani Hlongwani of Mushiane Village. 

The Police request Joel Makhubele or anyone with information that can be of assistance in pursuing investigations in relation to the murder case in question to come forward to report to the Investigating Officer Captain Adam Hobyani at 082 414 6709.

Alternatively, report to the nearest Police Station. Also SAPS Crime Stop at 08600 10111 and or share it on MysapsApp. 

Suspect shot dead after exchanging fire with Police in Nkowa-Nkowa

Suspect shot dead after exchanging fire with Police in Nkowa-Nkowa

One suspect was shot dead when he exchanged fire with Police during a foiled business robbery in Nkowa-Nkowa, Limpopo on Monday.

According to the information members of the Mopani District Tracking Team together with the Tzaneen Tracing Team. Politsi K9 Unit, Tzaneen Crime Intelligence and Mopani Flying Squad were busy on intelligence-led operations in the area.

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While the Police were busy patrolling at Nkowankowa Section B, a community member alerted them about the business robbery in progress at a nearby Tuckshop. They immediately rushed to the scene.

It is reported that upon the arrival of the Police, three male suspects came out of the Tuckshop. Seemingly, after seeing the Police one suspect allegedly started to shoot at them and they retaliated. The suspect was fatally shot on the scene.

SUSPECT SHOT DEAD IN NKOWA-NKOWA

Two suspects aged 30 and 33 were apprehended afterwards. Police also recovered one firearm and the robbed items from the suspects. The deceased was identified as Aviva Hlungwane.

The suspects are expected to appear before Ritavi Magistrate’s Court soon facing charges of business robbery.
Limpopo Commissioner of Police Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe hailed the good working relations between the Police and members of the communities.

Limpopo Traditional healer arrested for rape of an initiate

Limpopo Traditional healer arrested for rape of an initiate

A 36-year-old male Traditional Healer [Sangoma] from Ga-Matipane, Limpopo has been arrested in connection with the rape of a 16-year-old initiate. It is alleged that the Traditional Healer raped the initiate on Tuesday, 12 September 2023.

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According to reports, the incident took place at the residence of the Traditional Healer in Ga-Matipane Village under Greater Letaba Municipality, Mopani District. This is after he approached a 16-year-old initiate and requested to have sex with her in order to remove the evil spirits as she was bewitched.

The teenager did not consent to his request but the suspect seemingly forced himself and later raped her. Afterwards, the victim went home and informed her mother about the ordeal. The matter was immediately reported to the Police

LIMPOPO TRADITIONAL HEALER ARRESTED FOR RAPE

A rape case was opened and the Police’ commenced with a massive manhunt of the Traditional Healer. It resulted in his arrest while at his residence in Ga-Matipane Village on Thursday,14 September.

Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has commended Mokwakwaila Police’ for a swift response.

“I am delighted about the arrest of the Traditional Healer who took advantage of a vulnerable victim. Who was supposed to be assisted, guided and protected by individuals like him, people who are trusted in the Society. Let the law take its course and people like him deserve to be permanently removed from society,” concluded Lieutenant General Hadebe.

The suspect will appear before Bolobedu Magistrate Court on Monday 18 September 2023 facing a charge of rape.

MEC Dr Ramathuba hands over ambulances at Nkhensani Hospital

MEC Dr Ramathuba hands over ambulances at Nkhensani Hospital

Limpopo MEC for Health Dr Phophi Ramathuba on Wednesday handed over 35 ambulances at Nkhensani Hospital, Mopani District.

During the 2023/24 budget speech, the MEC made a commitment to the procurement of 500 new ambulances. This is to add to the existing EMS fleet in the province.

The department has also revealed that Suppliers have started with the delivery of vehicles. The first batch of 70 ambulances has been received, and of these, 35 are ready for commissioning and have been allocated to the Mopani District.

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Other districts are set to be catered for in the upcoming batches until the 500 figure is realized.

MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba hands over ambulances at Nkhensani Hospital in Limpopo
New ambulances at Nkhensani Hospital

“The procurement of these 500 ambulances forms part of the initiative, which is the 1st of its kind in EMS South Africa,” the department said in a statement.

DR PHOPHI RAMATHUBA HANDS AMBULANCES AT NKHENSANI HOSPITAL IN LIMPOPO

“Ambulances will be allocated to crews, consisting of two EMS employees. Only the crew will be allowed to utilize the vehicle. Thus ensuring that there is full accountability in using the vehicle.

“Ambulance services are a vital cog in providing prompt medical care to patients. Ensuring that they receive immediate attention and care, providing first aid, stabilizing the patient’s condition, and preventing the condition from worsening,” said MEC Ramathuba.

“As a province, we need more of the ambulance services. So that we may be able to improve the ability to come to the aid of people in emergency situations within the golden hour, including in far-flung areas where the terrain is high.”

Eleven suspects arrested following taxi violence in Giyani

Eleven suspects arrested following taxi violence in Giyani

Police in Limpopo have made 11 arrests in connection with violence between two taxi associations in Giyani, Mopani District. A recent taxi association feud lasted for a couple of days. During the arrests, one licensed firearm was confiscated.

In one incident that occurred on 24 August at about 08:30, a 48-year-old taxi driver was allegedly attacked and injured by a rival group driving in a Toyota Quantum. During the attack, he stopped the vehicle, alighted, and ran on foot. He was further attacked with stones and shots fired at him. But the driver managed to survive the attack with serious injuries.

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The confrontations between the two taxi associations, which have a history of disputes, escalated into violence over the past two weeks.

Intensive investigations by the Provincial Taxi Violence Investigation Unit in conjunction with the Public Order Police (POPS) Unit and community members led to the identification and apprehension of the suspects believed to be involved in the violent clashes in an operation that was conducted from Sunday 03 September until the early hours of Monday 04 September.  

GIYANI TAXI VIOLENCE CONDEMNED

Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has condemned the violence. She applauded this team for arresting the suspects which demonstrates the SAPS commitment to maintaining law and order and protecting the safety and security of all citizens.

“We also appreciate the cooperation of community members and urge everyone to choose non-violent means to resolve disputes and conflicts. Violence only leads to harm and disrupts the lives of innocent residents,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe.

The arrested suspects aged between 34 and 64 will appear before the Giyani Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday 05 September. They are facing charges related to public violence, assault GBH and attempted murder.

Husband in court on charges of kidnapping his wife 

Husband in court on charges of kidnapping his wife 

A 39-year-old man from Letsitele in Mopani District has been arrested after he allegedly kidnapped and severely assaulted his 35-year-old wife at Mamitwa village.

The incident took place on the evening of Saturday, 29 July. The suspect is scheduled to make his first court appearance today, July 31 in the Ritavi Magistrate’s Court.

The arrest followed after the suspect at about 19:00, allegedly kidnapped and assaulted his wife and thereafter left her in bushes naked.

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According to the Police reports, the victim and her sister-in-law were walking home from attending an event. The victim’s husband [suspect] came driving at high speed and even attempted to knock her with the vehicle.

The suspect aggressively ordered the victim to get in the vehicle and drove off to their home in Nwajaheni village.

Police were alerted about the incident and started with an investigation and a search for both the victim and suspect. The suspect’s vehicle was spotted on the road and tactically stopped. Police then took the suspect to his house after he lied about the whereabouts of his wife.

During the investigation at the house, Police found the victim’s clothes with blood stains.

WIFE KIDNAPPED AND ASSAULTED BY HER HUSBAND 

While the Police were busy with the search, they received a report that the victim was at the local Police Station. She was rescued by a passerby who found her in the bushes, naked and severely assaulted. The husband was arrested on the spot.

The Provincial Commissioner of police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has condemned the actions of the suspect.

“We shall leave no stone unturned for those who see women as their Punching bags, taking advantage of their vulnerability. This behaviour is inhumane and must stop immediately,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe.

No water for Tzaneen residents

No water for Tzaneen residents

Certain parts of Tzaneen, Mopani District in Limpopo will have no water for the better part of Thursday, 15 June 2023.

The Greater Tzaneen Municipality announced this in a communique issued on Wednesday. This is due to the maintenance at the Georges Valley water treatment plant.

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Areas that may experience water shortages are Aquapark, Flora Park, Tzangoni Golden Acres. Letaba River Estate, Now Industrial Area, Premier Park and some parts of Arbor Park.

“Residents of the Greater Tzaneen Municipality (Tzaneen Town) are hereby notified that the George’s Valley Water Treatment Works will be closed on Thursday, 15 June 2023 for emergency repairs of major leaks on the raw water line. Reservoirs will be closed from 07:30 to 16:30 and water services will resume when the
reservoir levels pick up,” read the communique.

“For any assistance contact Tedia Molewa on 061 429 0073 or Mmathema Tladi on 082 962 8902. We apologise for any inconvenience.”

EFFORTS TO SOLVE NO WATER CHALLENGE

Meanwhile, during the recent State Of the Municipal Address delivered by Mayor Gerson Molapisane, the municipality acknowledged that water services are one of the critical challenges facing their communities. Mayor Molapisane admitted that the ageing infrastructure is one of the contributing factors.

“In recent times we have experienced chronic water shortages in the town of Tzaneen. This was caused by two main reasons, the ageing infrastructure and intermittent power cuts,” he said.

“We have also begun work to isolate water treatment plants. From the rest of the network to ensure no more disruptions due to load shedding.

“I am pleased to announce that the Department of water affairs is in the advanced stage of raising the Tzaneen dam wall,” announced the Mayor.

“Raising the Tzaneen dam’s wall will result in an increase in the gross storage capacity of the dam from 157 million m3 to 195 million m3.”

Limpopo to host the Netball World Cup trophy tour

Limpopo to host the Netball World Cup trophy tour

The details of the Netball World Cup trophy tour in Limpopo have been announced by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. The World Cup trophy is being taken on a countrywide tour ahead of the much-anticipated event, which will be held in Cape Town from July 28 until August 6.

The trophy is currently in the Mpumalanga province and will be handed over to Limpopo on Thursday, 8 June in the Maruleng Municipality, Mopani District. It will then tour all five districts starting with Mopani.

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On Friday, 9 June, the tour will start at Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality and then proceed to Greater Giyani Municipality Masingita Mall.

Netball World Cup trophy

On the 10th of June, the entourage will proceed to Vhembe District and Thulamela Municipal Chambers, respectively. They will then proceed to Azwifarwi Secondary.

On day three on the 11th of June, the trophy tour will take place in Molemole Municipality-Botlokwa Special School. It will be followed by Jack Botes Park in Polokwane then proceed to Lebowakgomo Mall in the Lepelle-Nkumpi Municipality.

The Sekhukhune District Trophy tour will start on the 12th of June 2023, at Fetakgomo Tubatse. Followed by Makhuduthamaga, proceed to Ephraim Mogale, Ndlovu Sports Centre then continue to Sekhukhune District Municipal Chamber.

Netball World Cup trophy tour in Limpopo details announced
Netball World Cup trophy tour Bus

TROPHY TOUR CONTINUES

The Limpopo tour will conclude in Waterberg District on the 13th of June. It will start with Mokopane Comprehensive School in Mogalakwena Municipality at then continuing to Bela- Bela Mall.

The 2023 event is the first Netball World Cup ever to be held on African Soil.
The 16 teams that will be making their way to South Africa are; Australia, Barbados, England, Fiji, Jamaica, Malawi, New Zealand, Scotland, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Uganda, Wales, and Zimbabwe.

Two male lifeless bodies found in Giyani

Two male lifeless bodies found in Giyani

Police in Giyani, Limpopo seek public assistance in locating the families and relatives of the two deceased males after lifeless bodies were discovered on Wednesday and Thursday.

It is believed they are aged between 22 and 35 respectively.

TWO LIFELESS BODIES DISCOVERED IN GIYANI

The first body was discovered on Wednesday 31 May at Mphangani village in the Mopani District in the morning at about 10:00.

According to the police report, an elderly woman was looking for firewood in the nearby bushes. She allegedly discovered a lifeless body of an unknown man in a decomposed stage. It is also estimated to be aged between 25 and 35 years old.

Two male lifeless bodies found in Giyani, Limpopo
Two male lifeless bodies found in Limpopo

The deceased was having a tattoo on the left shoulder wearing only underwear. Another lifeless body of a male victim was discovered on Thursday 01 June at about 11:20. It was floating in a water canal by a cattle herder who was looking for the livestock between Nhlaneki and Mapuve villages.

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The victim was allegedly found with his legs tied with a rope. He was also wearing black trousers with a black jacket without shoes. The motive behind the two incidents is currently unknown at this stage but police investigations are ongoing.

Anyone with information that can assist in the location of the families of the victims should contact the Investigating Officer Detective Warrant Officer Nyimpie Muni Hobyani on 0824146709. Also crime stop number 0860010111 or the nearest police station or MySAPSApp.