Polokwane Weekly

16/09/2026

SISTER-IN-LAW OF CIRCUIT MANAGER DR MEHLAPE SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR HIS MURDER

POLOKWANE – The Polokwane High Court has sentenced Mahlodi Melida Mathole (45), a teacher by profession, to 25 years’ imprisonment for the murder of Limpopo Department of Education Circuit Manager Dr Malekutu Johannes Mehlape.

Mathole, who is the sister-in-law of the deceased, pleaded guilty to murder and entered into a plea and sentence agreement in terms of Section 105A of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, as amended.

The murder occurred on 28 December 2023 at Dr Mehlape’s home in Mankweng Zone 1 outside Polokwane.

In her plea statement, Mathole admitted that she acted in furtherance of a common purpose and that the murder was premeditated.

The court heard that following the death of her sister, who was the mother of Mologadi Mehlape, family members allegedly believed that Dr Mehlape was responsible for her death through poisoning.

Motivated by a desire to avenge her sister’s death, Mathole consulted traditional healer Hlologelo Klaas Mogotlane and requested “muthi” to kill the deceased.

The court further heard that Mathole later became aware of an alleged plan involving armed men to kill Dr Mehlape. She transferred R600 to Mogotlane for diesel expenses related to transporting the alleged hitmen to the deceased’s residence.

She also contacted Mogotlane and warned him not to target the wrong person, informing him that there were two men at the homestead and identifying Dr Mehlape as the intended target.

The hitmen later went to Dr Mehlape’s home, where he was shot multiple times and sustained fatal gunshot wounds to the head. He died at the scene.

During sentencing proceedings, Judge Gert Muller said that while he understood the plea and sentence agreement reached between the parties, it appeared that taking a person’s life had become as easy as going to a shop and choosing who should be killed.

The court sentenced Mathole to 25 years’ imprisonment, with eight years suspended, resulting in an effective sentence of 17 years’ direct imprisonment.

Two other accused, Tshepo Gabriel Ranoto (34) and Michael Sello Molongoane (42), appear

16/09/2026

15/09/2026

BREAKING NEWS | EKURHULENI MURDERS RISE TO 8, POLICE OFFER R400 000 REWARD

The body of another woman discovered in Olifantsfontein has been added to the investigation into the deaths of the women in Ekurhuleni, raising the number to eight.

The body was reported found floating in a river on Tuesday afternoon.

Five bodies have now been found in Kempton Park, two in Olifantsfontein and one in Kwa-Thema.

The Police have offered a reward of R400 000 to anyone who may assist in apprehending the culprit responsible for the murders.

15/09/2026

MIDDAY UPDATE | SEVENTH WOMAN’S BODY DISCOVERED IN TEMBISA

TEMBISA – Another woman’s body has reportedly been discovered in Clayville near Tembisa Mall, bringing the number of women’s bodies found in Ekurhuleni over the past two months to seven.

The latest discovery has raised further concern among communities following a series of similar incidents involving women’s deaths in the region.

The woman, believed to be in her 20s, was found as police continue investigations into the circumstances surrounding the recent discoveries.

Authorities are working to establish whether the cases are linked and the circumstances leading to the deaths.

More details are expected as investigations continue.

15/09/2026

BREAKING NEWS | WOMAN’S BODY DISCOVERED IN KWA L-THEMA AS NUMBER OF FEMALE BODIES FOUND IN EKURHULENI RISES TO SIX

EKURHULENI – A woman’s body has reportedly been discovered in Kwa-Thema, Springs, in Ekurhuleni.

The woman, whose identity is yet to be established, is reportedly 35 - years of age and was found naked and in a state of decomposition.

The latest discovery brings the number of women’s bodies found in the Ekurhuleni area to six in the past two months.

The discovery comes a day after another woman’s body was found in Olifantsfontein near Kempton Park, also in Ekurhuleni.

The circumstances surrounding the latest discovery are not yet known, and further details are expected as investigations continue.

15/09/2026

TZANEEN SEPATLHO FESTIVAL | 📌 TZANEEN

Get ready for a massive celebration of music, culture and entertainment as Tsako Pitori Lifestyle & Culture Festival takes over Nkowankowa Stadium, Tzaneen, Limpopo.

FEATURING A STAR-STUDDED LINE-UP:
Master KG| Focalistic| Benny Mayengani| DJ Dzu |
Bliss Bouy | Soul Crusher| LadyTone | Malezo De MC |
The Josh & Questo | Brian Hennessy| DHEM Scott| African Roots | DJ Pro| …and many more

📍 VENUE: Nkowankowa Stadium, Tzaneen
🕘 Gates open: 09:00 – 21:00
🎟️ TICKETS:Adults: R80| VIP: R120| VVIP: R400
🎫 Available at:Computicket or Shoprite
👧 Kids tickets available (4–13 years)
🆓 Children under 4 enter FREE!
🚗 Parking: FREE
🧊 Cooler box: R50
💨 Hubbly: R50

Call/WhatsApp: 082 639 3837 | 061 516 2249

Don’t miss the biggest lifestyle and culture experience in Tzaneen!

12/09/2026

THREE CASHIERS AGED BETWEEN 53 AND 63 ARRESTED IN MARBLE HALL LICENCE CORRUPTION CASE

MARBLE HALL - Three cashiers at the Marble Hall Driving Licence Testing Centre in the Sekhukhune District have been arrested after allegedly being found with cash linked to a probe into fraudulent learner’s licences.

The women, aged 63, 63 and 53, were arrested during an ongoing joint operation involving SAPS Crime Intelligence and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).

According to the SIU, one of the 63-year-old women allegedly hid about R4,500 in her lower undergarment, while another allegedly concealed R800 in her bosom.

The three cashiers face charges of fraud, corruption and contravention of the Cyber Act for allegedly tampering with the eNatis system.

The arrests follow the earlier arrest of a suspect allegedly involved in a cash-for-driver’s licence scheme at the testing centre.

The suspect was allegedly found in possession of several learner’s licences. The SIU said the operation intercepted suspects from KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo who were allegedly travelling to collect illicitly issued learner’s licences.

The SIU’s investigation found that a suspect from KwaZulu-Natal allegedly charged applicants R2,000 per learner’s licence, promising to obtain the licences without them undergoing the required tests.

The suspect allegedly worked with an accomplice in Limpopo, who in turn worked with examiners at the Marble Hall testing centre to process fraudulent applications.

According to intelligence gathered during the investigation, the syndicate allegedly facilitated bulk transactions involving between 20 and 30 learner’s licences at a time.

The SIU said this effectively bypassed lawful licensing procedures.

The investigation is being conducted under the SIU’s Department of Transport proclamation, which authorises it to investigate allegations of corruption in the licensing division, including the unlawful issuing of learner’s licences, manipulation of the National Traffic Information System and unlawful conduct by officials.

The investigation remains ongoing, and further arrests are possible.

The SIU said criminal and disciplinary action would follow against anyone found to have participated in or facilitated the alleged corruption.

11/09/2026

R521 POLOKWANE / DENDRON ROAD RE - OPENED FOLLOWING A TRUCK ACCIDENT

The Department of Transport and Community Safety confirms that the R521 between Polokwane and Dendron at Rita is now open and cleared.

The overturned Volvo truck has been removed and traffic flow has returned to normal.