Another foreign national busted selling drugs in Polokwane

Another foreign national busted selling drugs in Polokwane

A 37-year-old foreign national suspect was apprehended for possession of drugs on Wednesday, 22 November 2023 in Polokwane.

The suspect was arrested during a joint operation by the Limpopo Organised Crime Unit. He was at a hiking spot, trying to catch a ride back home at Elim in Makhado under Vhembe District.

ALSO READ: Man accused of stealing a cellphone killed in Mob Justice in Vuwani 

During the arrest, one ball of heroin drugs with an estimated street value of R 4000, 00 was confiscated.

Another foreign national busted selling drugs in Polokwane
Jorissen Street

POLICE ARREST FOREIGN NATIONAL CAUGHT WITH DRUGS IN POLOKWANE

Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has commended the arrest of the suspect. She emphasized the commitment to combating drug trafficking in the province.

The suspect will appear before Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 24 November 2023. He is facing a charge of possession of drugs.

Polokwane provides tankers for areas affected by water shortage 

Polokwane provides tankers for areas affected by water shortage 

The Polokwane Municipality, Limpopo will continue to deploy water tankers to areas that are still experiencing water shortage. The affected areas are mostly in the City and parts of Seshego.

The water shortage is a result of constant stoppage of the Ebenezer Scheme due to planned power outages for the refurbishment of the power line that supplied to the scheme.

ALSO READ: Health denies claims of neglecting epileptic patient in Letaba

“A communication from Greater Tzaneen Municipality that was shared by Lepelle Northern Water indicates that the planned outages will continue into December.

WATER SHORTAGE IN POLOKWANE CONTINUES TO BE A PROBLEM 

The dates are 12 November, 17 November, 19 November, 21 November, 23 November, 25 November, 27 November, 29 November, 01 December 2023 [until further notice]. The planned outages will be between 06:00-12:00.

“Areas receiving supply are urged to use water sparingly. The municipality apologizes for the inconvenience caused. Municipal Call Centre: 015 290 2000 / 015 023 5000 | Dedicated Water and Sanitation Helpline: 015 290 2376 / WhatsApp: 068 290 8736.”

Polokwane Municipality

Meanwhile, the Municipality has also urged residents to follow the correct steps when drilling boreholes.

“Polokwane Municipality is working very hard in dealing with the current water challenges experienced within its jurisdiction of supply. The municipality is putting alternative measures in place, including the drilling of boreholes. To ensure that all members of the community get water.

“It is against this background that the municipality urges all members of the public to follow the correct steps when drilling boreholes and apply at the municipality to perform such an activity. Approval must be obtained from the municipality before drilling a borehole,” they said in a statement.

“Drilling of boreholes without municipal approval is, therefore, illegal and punishable by law. It is essential for the public to adhere to rules that govern underground water usage and borehole drilling as stipulated in Section 59 of Polokwane Municipality. 

Bendor drug dealer arrested in Polokwane 

Bendor drug dealer arrested in Polokwane 

A 38-year-old suspected drug dealer was arrested in Bendor, Polokwane with drugs worth an estimated street value of R25,000. Members of the Provincial Organized Crime Investigation Unit received information about drug-related activities around Bendor on Friday, at about 13:00.

ALSO READ: Glencowie Village livestock theft suspects arrested

The information was operationalized, and the team drove to the identified house to search. Different types of drugs such as heroine, crystal meth, cat, ice, and mushroom were found hidden in the couch in the sitting room.

Bendor drug dealer arrested in Polokwane 
Polokwane Jorissen Street

POLICE ARREST DRUG DEALER IN BENDOR 

Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commended the police for their swift response in arresting the suspect.

The suspect is expected to appear at Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Monday,13 November 2023. He is facing charges of possession of drugs. Police investigations are still continuing. 

Police arrest five criminals at Mall of the North

Police arrest five criminals at Mall of the North

Five criminals who stole items worth about R100, 000 at Mall of the North, Polokwane on Thursday have been arrested. The suspects are aged between 30 and 35 and were nabbed by members of the SAPS Provincial Murder and Robbery unit and private security companies.

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According to information, Police received a tipoff about a planned bank robbery. While the teams were strategically placed, they noticed suspicious movements of different people doing up and down rounds into a white Toyota Corolla in the parking area.

The vehicle was tested and found to be rented. After the shops closed, they approached the vehicle with five occupants as it was about to drive out.

Police arrest five criminals at Mall of the North
Mall of the North stolen items

CRIMINALS AT MALL OF THE NORTH NABBED FOR STEALING

They searched it and found new items including clothes from different stores. The occupants of the vehicle failed to produce purchase receipts or any reasonable proof about items.

The managers of the identified stores were immediately notified and called to the scene. They then confirmed that the items were indeed stolen from their stores and some of them were not yet aware.

Suspects were then arrested for possession of suspected stolen items. The estimated value of the stolen items is about R100, 000.  

Items were confiscated as well as the white Toyota Corolla utilised by the suspects.

Commissioner of Police Service in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has praised the team for arresting the suspects and always being alert as they perform their duties. They will appear before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court soon.

A Polokwane woman scammed over R800 000 of her pension money

A Polokwane woman scammed over R800 000 of her pension money

The Hawks in Limpopo have sent out a warning to Women after a Polokwane-based woman was scammed of over R800 000 of her pension money. The latest victim is a 60-year-old victim who was employed by the Department of Education as a teacher. She randomly met a guy at a shopping complex in Polokwane at the beginning of 2023.

ALSO READ: Stolen vehicle intended to be smuggled outside the country recovered 

The suspect allegedly proposed love to the victim who was due for retirement in June this year. The victim further alleged that while waiting for her pension payout in September, she visited the suspect at his rented house in Ivy Park, Polokwane.

According to the victim, she was taken to one of the rooms in the house by the suspect. So that she could be introduced to the ancestors. While inside the room, the victim alleged that she heard a voice coming from nowhere telling her that she had been suffering for a very long time. But her suffering was over as there was an amount of R3.8 million waiting for her.

The victim further alleged that the suspect whom she was dating kept on asking for money in order to redeem her R3.8 million fortune. She allegedly paid over R800 000 to the suspect until she became suspicious.

A WOMAN SCAMMED PENSION MONEY IN POLOKWANE

Whilst in her suspicions, she allegedly visited the suspect at his place, but she found that no one was there. When she enquired from the neighbours about the whereabouts of the suspect, they told her that a few days ago, the suspect had come with a moving truck, took his stuff, and left.

“Since cases of fraud (dating scams) are continuing to be reported to the Hawks, the potential victims particularly well-to-do single/widowed women are advised to be careful of the scammers. They would come into their lives in the name of love,” said the Hawks.

The scammers target the following categories of single women:

  1. Women with stable jobs [They convince them to resign].
  2. Women who are recently divorced and have acquired some assets. They convince them to register assets under their names or sell them].
  3. Women who are in business [they come up with a fake business proposal that needs funding]
  4. Women who have inherited wealth
  5. Women who are about to retire
  6. Women who are widows

R71 road to be closed for the Run 4 Cancer Marathon in Polokwane

R71 road to be closed for the Run 4 Cancer Marathon in Polokwane

The R71 road between ZCC St. Engenas turn-off and Polokwane will be closed between 05:00 and 13:00 on Saturday for the Run 4 Cancer Ultra Marathon.

The Marathon will return after a two-year break due to Covid-19 with over 10 000 professional and social runners expected to participate.

ALSO READ: Kaizer Chiefs announce another new signing

The Marathon will begin at Boyne, just after Moria and ends at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, Limpopo. It consists of the 10km, 21km, 32km and 48km races.

In a statement on Friday, the Department of Roads and Transport issued an alert to road users about the road closure.

SOME ROADS, INCLUDING R71, WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE RUN 4 CANCER ULTRA MARATHON

“Road users are informed of the closure of the R71 road between 05h00 and 13h00 on Saturday, 28 October 2023, for the Run 4 Cancer Ultra Marathon.

R71 will be completely closed for 30 minutes from 05h00 in the morning between Steven Lumber Mills/ Veekraal and ZCC St. Engenas turn off,” read the statement.

“One way will be used by runners from the ZCC St. Engenas turn-off to Polokwane. The other lanes will be used as a two-way road for motorists.

“All major intersections will be under traffic control for the safety of all road users. Motorists are advised to be on high alert and adhere to the directives of traffic law enforcement officers.”

R71 road to be closed for the Run 4 Cancer Ultra Marathon in Polokwane
Johannes Mosehla

Meanwhile, MEC for Sport Arts and Culture Nakedi Kekana has also urged communities to take part in the Marathon.

“We are looking to promote social cohesion. Wherein the young and old, from all ethnic groups, gather for a common course through active recreation. At the same time, promoting nation building,” she said.

Event organizers have also named all the medals to Comrades Marathon’s oldest runner Johannes Mosehla. The 81-year-old is also expected to be part of the Marathon.

Limpopo investment conference gets underway 

Limpopo investment conference gets underway 

The 3rd Limpopo Investment Conference has just commenced at the Ranch Hotel, outside Polokwane. The Conference is part of the Limpopo government’s investment drive to attract foreign and local direct investment into the Province.

The two-day event is also aimed at showcasing the province’s economic potential. Some of the issues on the table will be the attraction of the province’s natural resources and other investment opportunities offered by the province.

ALSO READ: Who is Limpopo business tycoon Morgan Mohlala?

Limpopo Premier Stanley Mathabatha gave a keynote address at the opening of the conference. 

“This third instalment of the Limpopo Investment Conference focuses on both the extractive industry and beneficiation of the primary resources,” said Mathabatha. 

“We have a vision of Limpopo that has total employment, with a strong economy that focuses beyond the extractive industry and graduates into manufacturing and services.

“We are honoured by your presence, distinguished guests and business leaders, our friends from China, Russian Federation, Zimbabwe, Namibia and across the globe,” he said. 

Limpopo investment conference gets underway 
Premier Stanley Mathabatha giving a keynote address at the Investment Conference

“Limpopo is blessed with natural resources such as climatic conditions for agricultural produce, minerals, flora, fauna, and wildlife.

It is also strategically located as an access gate to the SADC market with over 300 million citizens. Over the next two days, this province will lay bare the investment opportunities to the world through various panel discussions. 

“It is in this context that our topics are well-researched and well-aligned. We hope to attract investment inflows into those latent untapped sectors of our economy. Similarly, the conference is also a networking opportunity to establish and build solid and long-lasting relationships across various industries,” he added. 

Ambassador Chen Xiaodong from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in South Africa also offered a message of support. 

PRESENTATIONS AT THE LIMPOPO INVESTMENT CONFERENCE 

Some of the presentations at the conference will also include;

  1. Agriculture, Agro-processing and Trade Challenges, Opportunities and Lessons Learnt to Accelerate Transformation. 
  2. Connecting South Africa to Africa: Limpopo the Gateway to Africa.
  3. Opportunities in the Automotive Component Manufacturing Sector.
  4. Limpopo’s mineral wealth: The untapped mineral resources and Limpopo‘s future.
  5. Integration of Renewable Energy Sources in South Africa’s Energy mix” – Hydrogen Energy.
  6. Leveraging the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to grow the Limpopo Tourism Investment.

Human Rights Commission releases report on access to water in Limpopo

Human Rights Commission releases report on access to water in Limpopo

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) on Monday released its report of its inquiry into access to water in Limpopo. The report also looks at the efficacy of water services authorities in the province. 

The report has established that ten water service authorities in the province have been found to be in violation of the Water Service Act and not adhering to compulsory standards. The authorities include four district municipalities namely Sekhukhune, Mopani, Capricorn, and Vhembe. Six local municipalities namely Mogalakwena, Lephalale, Bela Bela, Modimolle-Mookgophong, Polokwane and Lephalale.

ALSO READ: Court gives green light to attach Prof Alfred Nevhutanda’s property

According to the findings, the problems are due to a number of factors such as drought and lack of adequate rain. Other challenges can be attributed to water services authorities failing to manage resources.

“We released this report that was released by the census which indicated that there is an increase in access to basic services across the country but of cause, there are exceptions based on the conditions we are seeing that while in other areas there is an increase and one of those provinces is of cause Limpopo when it comes to access to water,” SAHRC commissioner Philile Ntuli told the media. 

Human Rights Commission releases report on access to water in Limpopo
South African Human Rights Commission officials

“In Limpopo for the financial year 2021/2022 municipalities spent a combined R606 million on repairs and maintenance. Which presents 1.8 % of the value of the total infrastructure assets. As you know the National Treasury said it’s 8% but here, we find that municipalities are spending 1.8 %. Meaning that they are not really setting aside sufficient funds,” research advisor Peacemore Mhodi added. 

LIMPOPO MUNICIPALITIES TO PROVIDE PLAN FOR ACCESS TO WATER 

Municipalities around the province are expected to provide the commission with a detailed plan with timeframes within three months. Should they fail to submit their plans, actions will be taken by the commission.

“We take this very seriously because of the complaints that we received from the public. We must also say to you that you might look at the report and say the hearing was conducted in 2021. But we must note is that we have done our work. We have also visited those places recently and we found that the situation has not changed. So obviously we will look at the appropriate action because some of the respondents will say they will submit. They don’t and if need be, we will take them to court,” said Victor Mavhidula, provincial manager.

Court gives green light to attach Prof Alfred Nevhutanda’s property

Court gives green light to attach Prof Alfred Nevhutanda’s property

The High Court in Pretoria has issued a preservation order of properties in Limpopo belonging to former chairperson of the National Lotteries Commission Professor Alfred Nevhutanda. This includes a Rolls-Royce Phantom worth R6.3 million as well as properties in Makhado and Polokwane. 

ALSO READ: Lephalale Businessman shot dead inside his dry clean business

The SIU also obtained a preservation order for Nevhutanda’s Waterkloof property valued at R27 million in June last year. 

The preservation order also prevents the accused from selling or transferring the properties. 

“The High Court order is to preserve four properties in Polokwane and Louis Trichardt. Three luxury vehicles (Rolls-Royce Phantom, BMW G30 520d Series Sedan, and BMW 7 Series Sedan M760 Li xDrive), with a combined value of approximately R14 million,” said the SIU in a statement. 

“The properties are preserved pending an application for a forfeiture order and registered owners are interdicted from dealing in any manner with the frozen properties. The 28 September 2023 preservation order was also granted in terms of section 38 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act, 120 of 1998.”

PROPERTIES LINKED TO PROFESSOR ALFRED NEVHUTANDA TO BE ATTACHED   

In terms of the High Court order, the following assets are preserved:

Office Park in Polokwane, Limpopo: The property was purchased in November 2015 for R1 005 480. A total of R264 400 and R741 080 stolen NLC funds were transferred to pay for the property. The stolen funds originated from grant funding of R80 million paid by the NLC to Community Development Organisation Lulamisa for hosting the Commonwealth Games in Durban. Lulamisa was hijacked to apply for the grant. The property was registered in the name of 2SP Investment Trust, a trust founded by Ntshengedzeni Alfred Nevhutanda, Chairperson of the NLC board at the time.

FARM AND VACANT LAND AMONGST SOME ITEMS

Vacant land in Louis Trichardt, Limpopo: The property was purchased in July 2017 for R750,000. A total of R600 000 and R20 961 stolen NLC funds were transferred to a conveyancing firm to pay the property. The stolen funds originated from grant funding of R23 720 000 paid by the NLC to the Nunnovation Africa Foundation NPC, to facilitate sports tournaments. The property was registered in the name of Fhulufhelo Promise Kharivhe, who is the live-in partner of Mokondeleli Collin Tshisimba. Both Kharivhe and Tshisimba are implicated in the first NLC preservation orders, where properties purchased with stolen NLC funds were registered in their names.

Portion of a farm in Brakspruit, Limpopo: The property was purchased in September 2017 for R780 000. A total of R750 000 and R30 000 stolen NLC funds were transferred to pay for the property. The stolen funds originated from grant funding of R9.5 million paid by the NLC to Limpopo Recreation Providers NPO for promoting cycling in Limpopo. When the NLC followed up on the project, they could not find the NPO at the address supplied in the application form. The NPO was subsequently declared delinquent as they did not provide the NLC with progress reports. The property was registered in the name of Tshisimba.

MORE PROPERTIES BELONGING TO FORMER LOTTERY CHAIR ATTACHED  

Erf 2580 Louis Trichardt Extension 11: The property was purchased in September 2019 for R900 00, a total of R700 000 and R200 000 stolen NLC funds used for payment of the property. The stolen funds originated from grant funding of R10 million paid by the NLC to Light Up Your World Foundation NPO (Light Up). Light Up was also hijacked to apply for an NLC grant. The property was registered in the name of Twala Front, a private company also with Kharivhe as its sole director.

SOME OF THE CARS TO BE ATTACHED

BMW G30 520d Series Sedan: The BMW was bought in July 2017 for R995 000. A total of R595 000 stolen NLC funds was transferred to BMW Finance to settle the outstanding balance on the vehicle. The stolen NLC funds originated from grant funding of R23 720 000 paid by the NLC to Nunnovation NPO for promoting a healthy lifestyle and constructing a gymnasium. The BMW was registered in the name of Kharivhe.

BMW 7 Series Sedan M760 Li xDrive: The BMW was purchased in September 2017 for R2.8 million. A total of R1 million stolen NLC funds was paid towards the BMW as a deposit. The BMW was registered in the name of Meshack Makhubela, also the son-in-law of Nevhutanda.

ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM BELONGING TO PROFESSOR ALFRED NEVHUTANDA

Rolls-Royce Phantom: The Rolls-Royce was purchased in August 2016 by Nevhuthanda for R6.3 million. Over R4.5 million of stolen NLC funds was transferred to the dealership in five payments towards the purchase price of the Rolls-Royce. The first payment of R1 million originated from an NLC grant payment of R55.4 million to Tshikovha Graduate Academy to train the community about environment, water, and sanitation. The second payment of R1 million originated from an NLC grant payment of R24,9 million to the South African Sport Confederation and Olympic Committee for promoting and developing high performance sports.

The third payment of R574 185.13 originated from an NLC grant payment of R25 million to Simba Community Development Foundation NPO, for rebuilding a secondary school torched in Vuwani Village during community protests. The fourth and fifth payments of R1 million each originated from an NLC grant payment of R80 million to Lulamisa. The Rolls-Royce was registered in the name of Malwandla Solly Siweya, aka Rirhandzu Siweya (Siweya), who is also one of the “new” members of the hijacked Lulamisa. Lulamisa contributed the last R2 million towards the purchase price of the Rolls-Royce, so Siweya must have known that the R2 million originated from NLC funds.

Man killed by students in mob Justice in Polokwane

Man killed by students in mob Justice in Polokwane

A 25-year-old Man was killed in what is believed to be a mob justice by students in Polokwane after allegedly stealing a cellphone. The Man was found dead in Polokwane [Town], Limpopo on Saturday, 14 October at about 15:30.

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

After being called to the scene, the Police discovered a man who had been badly assaulted in what they thought to be an act of mob justice.

It is alleged that a group of students and community members chased three boys and cornered one, while two managed to escape. They assaulted him and left him with serious injuries, and he succumbed to his injuries.

The motive of the incident is yet to be determined. Unconfirmed reports suggest that the victim is accused of stealing the cellphone of one of the students.

STUDENTS MOB JUSTICE IN POLOKWANE CONDEMNED

At this stage, murder cases have been opened for investigation, but no arrest has been made.

Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, condemned alleged mob justice. She urges the public to refrain from unlawful acts. Including taking the law into their own hands, but to report all suspected criminal activities to the Police. Also to recognized legal structures such as the Community Police Forum (CPF).

Anyone with information that can assist in arresting the suspect(s) should contact Investigating Officer Sergeant Ringani Rise on 072 170 6535. Crime stop number 0860010111, the nearest police station, or by sharing information on MySAPSApp.