Three trucks burnt by unknown suspects in Limpopo

Three trucks burnt by unknown suspects in Limpopo

Police in Sekhukhune have activated a manhunt for six suspects who burnt three trucks in Lydenburg, Limpopo on Monday. The suspects committed armed robbery and malicious damage to property along R547 Lydenburg, Sekhukhune Road at about 04:00.

According to information, the complainant was driving a Scania truck along the R547 Lydenburg road heading to deliver chrome at a local mine when he was accosted by six unknown males on the road.

ALSO READ: Limpopo Police officers arrested for Murder

Two suspects were armed with firearms. He was pointed with a firearm and instructed to block the road with the truck and to disembark through the window. The suspects then burned the truck afterwards.

Three trucks burnt by unknown suspects in Lydenburg, Limpopo
A truck burnt in Lydenburg

Ultimately two trucks, Scania and Actross that were driving behind were also burnt by the suspects who later fled the scene in Limpopo.

Police and Fire Brigade personnel were summoned to the scene and the motive of the incident is unknown.

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has condemned the incidents. She has called upon the Community to work with the Police to ensure that the suspects are apprehended.

TRUCKS BURNT IN LYDENBURG

Police also opened a case of armed robbery and malicious damage to properties.

Anyone with information that can assist police in the apprehension of the suspects should contact the Investigating Officer Colonel Mahlathini Ngele on 0825733645. Crime stop number 0860010111 or nearest police station or MySAPSApp.

Kgoši KK Sekhukhune has died

Kgoši KK Sekhukhune has died

The Sekhukhune Royal Family has confirmed that Kgoši Kgagudi Kenneth Sekhukhune, affectionately known as KK Sekhukhune has died. Kgoši KK Sekhukhune died on Sunday at the age of 78.

He served the throne of Bapedi Kingship from 1973 to 2023 as Acting Paramount Chief and Regent to the Kingship. He was born in 1945, first married Maakopi in 1976 and had seven children. In 1980 he also married Khudu, with whom he had three children.

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“Kgagudi Kenneth Sekhukhune is the first-born son of King Morwamotshe. Kgagudi Kenneth Sekhukhune was crowned a King of the Bapedi Nation and Kgoshi of Marota Mohlaletse in 1976. He reined for 46 years as the chief of Marota Mohlaletse Senior traditional council and 44 years as the King of Bapedi nation,” said Royal spokesperson, Marisane Leseilane.

Leseilane says the late Sekhukhune has left an impressive legacy.

“During his time or tenure, he built schools and clinics. He also reconciled with the British, the Scottish, and the leadership of Chief McLeod, the chief of Scotland.

“He also established the royal Bapedi Nation Trust, which was responsible for overseeing the Bapedi bought farms and other properties. The Bapedi bought farms were constituted by 18 trustees, representing 78 senior traditional leaders in Sekhukhune,” added Leseilane.

Kgoši Kgagudi Kenneth KK Sekhukhune has died
Late KK Sekhukhune with Reverend Bishop Barnabas Lekganyane

KGOŠI KGAGUDI KENNETH SEKHUKHUNE HAS DIED

Limpopo MEC for COGHSTA Basikopo Makamu has sent his condolences to the Royal Family.

The MEC says the untimely loss of yet another Senior Traditional Leader in the province within weeks has filled the Provincial Government, as led by the Premier, and the COGHSTA department with sorrow.
MEC Makamu has conveyed his sympathies to the Royal Family of Hlabirwa’aBauba and its residents located under the Sekhukhune District Municipality.

In 2019 KK Sekhukhune challenged a Nhlapo Commission on Traditional Leadership decision. It had declared the late King Thulare Victor Thulare III as the legitimate King of Bapedi.

The matter also served in the Constitutional Court. It ruled in favour of King Thulare Victor Thulare III.

Sekhukhune missing Man sought after

Sekhukhune missing Man sought after

Police in Sekhukhune, Limpopo require public assistance in locating a 32-year-old Missing man. 

Koos Ramokate Choma residing at Kutullo village who went missing on 28 March 2023. 

Also read: Request for assistance to locate Lebowakgomo missing man

According to the information received, it is alleged that he was last seen by his brother on Tuesday 28 March at about 11:00. He was herding the cattle to the grazing field on the nearby mountains.

Sekhukhune missing Man 
Koos Ramokate Choma

A search was conducted around the neighbourhood, as well as neighbouring villages, without any success.

Also read: Sekhukhune Mayor Mokganyetji celebrates 100 days in office

The Sekhukhune missing man was wearing blue trousers and an orange top. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts can contact the Investigating Officer Lieutenant Colonel Lesiba Phalane on 082 414 2663. Call crime stop number 0860010111. Anonymous tip-offs can be communicated via MySAPS App.

Police investigation continues for the Sekhukhune missing man.

Seven people killed in a motor vehicle accident in Sekhukhune

Seven people killed in a motor vehicle accident in Sekhukhune

Seven people were sadly killed in a motor vehicle accident at D1399 Loskop road next to Maranata Lodge, Sekhukhune District on Sunday afternoon.

The accident is suspected to have happened when a Volkswagen hatchback collided side-swipe with a Toyota Avanza. Both vehicles lost control, overturned, and caught fire. Seven people, including the drivers of the two vehicles, were burnt beyond recognition.

ONE SURVIVOR IN MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT

The only survivor of the accident was transported to a nearby health facility for treatment of serious injuries. Law enforcement officers at the scene cite reckless driving as a possible cause of the crash.

Sekhukhune District accident

MEC RADZILANI SEND CONDOLENCES

Limpopo MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Florence Radzilani has also sent condolences to the bereaved families.

“We are saddened by the news and send heartfelt sympathies to those who have lost their loved ones in this tragic incident. May they be granted the strength to get through this difficult time. We also pray for the speedy recovery of the surviving passenger.

“The loss of lives on our roads due to reckless behavior by some motorists is cause for concern. We urge all drivers to be mindful of their actions at all times, for all to arrive alive at their respective destinations”, said MEC Radzilani.

ALSO READ: MEC Nandi Ndalane involved in a motor vehicle accident 

Illegal miner arrested as Chrome worth half a million is seized

Illegal miner arrested as Chrome worth half a million is seized

Members of the Limpopo Highway Patrol team have arrested a 38-year-old Illegal miner suspect and seized chrome worth an estimated street value of R500 000. The suspect was arrested on Wednesday, 11 January 2023 while travelling along the R37 road next to Atok outside Burgersfort.

The members were performing normal patrol duties when they noticed an overloaded tipper truck. It travelling in the direction of Burgersfort at about 23:00. The truck was stopped and pulled off the road.

Truck used by Illegal miner to transport chrome
Truck used by Illegal miner to transport chrome

ILLEGAL MINER CAUGHT

The illegal miner was questioned about the load. He informed the police that he was transporting chrome that was allegedly gathered by illegal miners at a mine in Atok.

The suspect was immediately arrested and the truck was also confiscated.

The suspect is expected to appear in the Sekhukhune Magistrate’s Court on Friday 13 January 2023. He is facing a charge of unlawful possession of precious metals (chrome)

Siblings arrested for hacking their brother to death

Siblings arrested for hacking their brother to death

Two siblings aged 60 and 62 were arrested by Police in Nebo outside Sekhukhune, for allegedly hacking and killing their younger brother to death. The incident reportedly took place at their home in Eenkanteen Mampaha village Monday at about 22:00. The pair were remanded in Custody when they appeared before Nebo Magistrate Court on Wednesday.

TWO SIBLINGS IN TROUBLE WITH THE LAW

According to the information, Police received information from community members. This is after the victim was hacked with an axe following an alleged altercation with his two brothers.

On arrival at the scene, Police found the victim’s chopped body and the two suspects were arrested on the scene.

Police arrested siblings in for killing their brother
Police arrested siblings in for killing their brother

Matshele Nelson Mogapu aged 53 has been identified as the deceased. The motive behind the incident is not yet known but domestic violence cannot be ruled out.

The two suspects Hollo Mapadimeng aged 60 and Seageng Mogapu aged 62 are facing a charge of murder. They were remanded in Custody until the next Court appearance on 19 January 2023 for formal bail application when they appeared before Nebo Magistrate Court.

37 stolen goats recovered, four suspects arrested

37 stolen goats recovered, four suspects arrested

Concerted efforts by the Stock Theft Unit in the Sekhukhune District to fight the theft of stock in the area yielded positive results with the recovery of 37 stolen goats.

Four suspects were arrested and confiscation of two vehicles as well as a firearm. This after the Police in Nebo, led by the Station Commander,  arrested four male suspects aged between 21 and 38. They subsequently recovered 37 suspected stolen goats and two motor vehicles during the joint operations starting from Friday 6 January 2023 to Saturday, 7 January.

An intelligence driven operation was conducted in Nebo policing precinct in the early hours of Friday 06 January 2023. It was conducted by members of  Detectives, Vispol, Stock Theft and Designated Police for Firearms, Liquor and Second Hand Goods unit following the tip off on the problem of theft of livestock in the area.

SUSPECTS ARRESTED FOR STOLEN GOATS

Police acted on an information received and conducted a roadblock as well as stop and search Operations at Glencowie. They managed to arrest two male suspects aged 33 and 38 respectively. In the process they recovered 21 goats and also confiscate a vehicle used to transport the goats, the Ford Ranger.

Transport used for stolen goats
Transport used for stolen goats

The same team followed up on Information and managed to arrest one Suspect in Burgerfort. He was awaiting for a payment and subsequently the team proceeded to Mecklenburg Policing area. They further arrested the fourth suspect who is  from a village where goats were stolen. The same day two more Goats were confiscated in Monsterlus. On Saturday 2022-01-07 at about 04:00 during stop and search , police chased a bakie which the driver , alighted and fled on foot aboundoning it with 14 goats inside. The total number of suspects arrested are four, two Ford Ranger Bakies and 37 goats.

COURT APPEARANCES SOON

The four suspects, two in Nebo and two Mecklenburg are expected to appear before the two Magistrate Courts on Monday 09 January 2023. They face the charges of possession of suspected stolen livestock and other related charges.  

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.

MEC deny reports of learners writing Limpopo matric exams under trees

MEC deny reports of learners writing Limpopo matric exams under trees

MEC for Education Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya has commended the Limpopo Matric exams 2022 class for adhering to their pledges made ahead of the start of the final examinations.

Lerule-Ramakhanya was reflecting on the 10 days of matric examinations.

Limpopo has over 140 000 learners writing exams this year, the number is inclusive of part-time learners.

The province has encountered a few challenges ranging from unregistered learners demanding to write and access to schools due to flash floods.

“The Department has noted reports of few learners who were not able to write because they have either not registered and the matter is receiving attention,” said the department in a statement on Wednesday.

NO LIMPOPO MATRIC EXAMS UNDER TREES

“There was also a case of learners who were stranded in Sekhukhune due to flash floods. But efforts were made with the assistance of Police to ensure that learners were at their examination centres on time.”

The MEC has also addressed the reports of matric learners writing examinations under the trees. She says political parties must not abuse their oversight responsibility by disturbing learners when exams are in session.

Limpopo MEC deny reports of learners writing Limpopo matric exams under trees
MEC deny reports of learners writing Limpopo matric exams under trees

“The department is working on the infrastructure challenges in some areas and plans to address the backlog are in place. The MEC is calling on interested parties and the community to stay away from the exam centres and afford learners space to write exams without interruptions.

FIRST TEN DAYS

“The first ten days of writing in the province went well. I am happy that the learners are living up to the pledges made three weeks ago. Let us continue to rally behind them and afford them the necessary support.

“I am still making a plea to pub owners to close early and reduce noise. But I am equally calling on people who are peddling lies about learners writing under trees to desist from reports that are aimed at derailing us on our matric result,” MEC Lerule-Ramakhanya.

The department will continue to monitor the progress. The plea is still out to learners and educators to report irregularities.

Man Kills girlfriend in GBH revenge

Man Kills girlfriend in GBH revenge

The Police in Hlogotlou have arrested a 45-year-old Man for killing his alleged girlfriend Zindle Mokoena (21). The incident happened soon after she was released by the court on Friday at Monsterloos village outside Sekhukhune.

The deceased assaulted and seriously injured the suspect on Tuesday 04 October.

Mokoena was arrested on charges of Assault GBH after they had an altercation at the man’s house. The woman ended up stabbing the boyfriend with a sharp object.

She was arrested on Thursday and appeared before the Nebo Magistrate’s Court on Friday 07 October 2022. Mokoena was also released on free bail.

Man arrested for killing his girlfriend

The victim thereafter went to the local tavern and her boyfriend whom she had assaulted, arrived at the tavern at about 19:45. He dragged her to her house which is next to the tavern. Upon arrival, he stabbed her several times, killing her instantly.

The suspect was arrested on the scene after police were notified. Police have also opened a case of murder.

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has slammed the incident. She called for harsh consequences against the suspect who should have never taken the law into his hands. The suspect will appear in the Nebo Magistrate’s Court on Monday facing a charge of murder.

Nebo Magistrate's Court
Nebo Magistrate’s Court

House robbery killer arrested

Meanwhile, Police Investigators have successfully tracked down and arrested one of the suspects responsible for the house robbery. The robbery took place on a farm at Roedtan in which a farmer was killed and properties robbed.

The incident took place on Friday night, 07 October 2022. Five men driving arrived on the farm at about 18:00 under the pretext that they were coming to buy milk.

They found the victim’s friend who was forcibly taken into the farmhouse and guarded by one of the suspects. The farm owner unknowingly arrived at the premises and was accosted by the remaining four suspects who pointed firearms.

The suspects also tied his girlfriend and the friend with cable ties and started demanding money from the farm owner.

They then disarmed him with his firearm and hit him with an iron pipe. They also forced him to hand over the safe keys. In the process, the suspects shot and killed the victim.