Daily E-press News Limpopo

17/07/2026

‼️PREMIER DR PHOPHI RAMATHUBA LED OPERATION SHANELA II TO INTENSIFY THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME IN LIMPOPO‼️

Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba today was joined by the MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Ms Violet Mathye and the Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, Major General Jan Scheepers, conducting Operation Shanela II at Greenside in Seshego, Polokwane.

The operation forms part of government's ongoing commitment to strengthening law enforcement and creating safer communities through intelligence-driven crime prevention initiatives across the province.

The multidisciplinary operation focused on combating serious and violent crime by targeting illegal drugs, illegal fi****ms, dangerous weapons, wanted suspects, undocumented foreign nationals and other criminal activities that undermine the safety and well-being of communities.

The operation brought together various law enforcement and government agencies, including the South African Police Service, Public Order Policing, Visible Policing, the K9 Unit, Operational Coordination, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks), the Department of Home Affairs, Emergency Medical Services and the Department of Social Development.

The operation produced significant results. A total of 478 individuals were searched, while 148 vehicles were stopped and searched. Law enforcement officials also inspected 34 spaza shops to verify compliance with applicable legislation and to safeguard consumers.

During the operation, 339 undocumented foreign nationals, Zimbabwean and Malawain nationals, were identified and will be processed in accordance with the Immigration Act by the relevant authorities.

In addition, one suspect linked to a murder and robbery case was arrested, while two suspects were apprehended for the illegal sale of illicit ci******es.

"The success of Operation Shanela II sends a strong and unequivocal message that criminality has no place in Limpopo. We will continue to intensify intelligence-led operations to remove dangerous criminals from our communities, address illegal immigration in accordance with the laws of our country and ensure that anyone who breaks the law is brought to justice. Every person living in our province has a responsibility to respect and uphold the laws of the Republic of South Africa," said Premier Dr Ramathuba.

The Limpopo Provincial Government remains committed to working closely with law enforcement agencies and all stakeholders to strengthen crime prevention efforts and ensure that the province remains a safe and secure place for all who live in and visit Limpopo.

15/07/2026

[BOYFRIEND ARRESTED FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER IN MAHWELERENG]

A 25-year-old suspect has been arrested in connection with an attempted murder incident that occurred at Ga-Molekana, within the Mahwelereng policing area in the Waterberg District.

It is alleged that on Sunday, 12 July 2026, at about 18:05, the suspect visited the victim, a 31-year-old woman, at her residence. After she refused his request to spend the night with her, the suspect allegedly returned armed with a firearm and pointed it at her.

The victim managed to lock herself inside her bedroom. Moments later, a gunshot was fired, after which the suspect allegedly forced open the bedroom door and entered the room. He reportedly pleaded with the victim not to report the incident to the police before remaining at the residence overnight.

On the following morning, Monday, 13 July 2026, the suspect left the premises. Police were notified, and the suspect was traced and subsequently arrested.

The suspect is expected to appear before the Mokerong Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 15 July 2026, on a charge of attempted murder.


https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/ms.php

13/07/2026

‼️Businessman Arrested Over Alleged Malicious Damage to Property in Polokwane‼️

POLOKWANE, LIMPOPO – A 51-year-old businessman has been arrested following an intelligence-driven operation by the Limpopo Provincial Tracking Team and the Provincial Investigation Unit in connection with two separate cases of alleged malicious damage to property.

The suspect was arrested on the morning of 13 July 2026 at his residence in the Welgelegen suburb of Polokwane after police executed a warrant of arrest.

According to police, the investigation relates to two incidents that occurred on 28 June 2026. It is alleged that at approximately 04:30, an unknown suspect set alight a signboard at a rehabilitation centre in Ladanna, near Dendron Road. The suspect then allegedly travelled to Seshego Zone 3, where a Toyota Hilux Extended Cab was set on fire.

The blaze caused extensive damage to the vehicle and spread to part of a nearby house where seven occupants were asleep at the time. Neighbours responded quickly and managed to extinguish the fire before it caused further destruction or injuries. The estimated damage is valued at approximately R800,000.

Following the incidents, the investigations were transferred to the Provincial Office. Through intensive investigations and intelligence gathering, police linked the suspect to both incidents and secured a warrant for his arrest.

During the operation, police also seized a Toyota Fortuner believed to have been used in the commission of the offences.

The suspect is expected to appear before the Seshego and Polokwane Magistrates’ Courts on 14 July 2026, where he will face charges of malicious damage to property.

Police have confirmed that investigations into the matter are continuing.

13/07/2026

‼️Five Arrested in Lephalale Over Alleged Intimidation of Foreign National‼️

Lephalale, Limpopo – Five suspects aged between 20 and 58 have been arrested following an intelligence-driven operation targeting individuals allegedly involved in the intimidation of a foreign national and the incitement of violence in Marapong Township.

The investigation follows an incident reported on 9 July 2026, when a Nigerian businessman alleged that a group of community members confronted him at his business, Foreign Owned Lounge, demanding that he close his establishment because he was a foreign national. The group allegedly told him that he had no right to operate a business in South Africa and threatened to destroy his business if he did not leave the country.

The businessman was reportedly taken to the Lephalale Home Affairs office, where his immigration documents were verified and found to be valid. He later reported the matter to the police, leading to the launch of an investigation.

In the early hours of 13 July 2026, members of the Lephalale Crime Intelligence Unit, together with other law enforcement role players, conducted a planned intelligence-led operation across Marapong Township.

During the operation, five suspects were arrested at various residential addresses. Police allege that the suspects played a leading role in mobilising community members against foreign nationals and encouraged the forcible removal of foreigners from the township.

Investigators further stated that the suspects were identified through video and audio evidence collected during the investigation.

The suspects remain in police custody and are expected to appear before the Lephalale Magistrate’s Court on charges relating to intimidation, incitement of violence and other applicable offences.

03/04/2026

02/04/2026

‼️BREAKING NEWS‼️

JEALOUS BOYFRIEND CONDEMNED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT IN NEBO FOR KILLING HIS WANT AWAY GIRLFRIEND

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has welcomed a hefty sentence imposed on a man who killed his girlfriend.

On Thursday 2024/09/26 in the evening Refiloe Letshedi was found killed at Thabeng village.

Members of Nebo-Jane Furse tracking team were immediately summoned and Investigations resumed from the day the matter was reported.

The docket was then transferred to Nebo-Jane Furse tracking team for further investigation.

The matter was assigned to Detective Sergeant Kabelo Shokane attached to the Nebo-Jane Furse tracking team for further investigation.

The court heard that although the suspect behind the brutal killing of the woman was unknown, during the course of investigations, it was found that the deceased was killed by her boyfriend, Themba Mashiloane.
The team then worked around the clock to find more evidence to link the suspect to the crime and after a thorough investigation, the team arrested Mr Themba Mashiloane on 2024/09/27 and the cellphone belonging to the deceased was also found in his possession.

The ever hard working
D/Sgt Kabelo Shokane successfully opposed bail since the arrest of the suspect in 2024. Although the motive behind the senseless killing was unknown the investigating officer left no stone unturned and during his investigation and it was later revealed that the deceased wanted to end their romantic relationship with the suspect, but the suspect did not accept it.

The marathon of court appearances at Nebo Magistrate Court, resulted in the matter ultimately being transferred to Nebo Regional Court.

The investigation was diligently carried out by the investigation officer who gathered sufficient evidence , which ultimately afforded the court an overwhelming evidence against the accused and as such he was found guilty.

On Tuesday, 2026/03/31, Nebo Regional Court found the suspect guilty of the Murder and sentenced the accused to life imprisonment.

02/04/2026

‼️ACCIDENT ‼️

The N1 road near Lunds in Polokwane is currently closed due to a serious accident involving two vehicles. Emergency services and traffic officers are on the scene, and there are potential injuries and fatalities.

If you're travelling from Gauteng to Polokwane, please off-ramp at Nyl-Plaza and use the R101 route to Polokwane. If you're travelling from Polokwane towards the south, please use the R101 route towards Mokopane and join the N1 at Nyl-Plaza.

We advise motorists to plan ahead and drive safely. We'll provide further updates as more information becomes available.

10/01/2026

‼️Statutory R**e Case Under Investigation in Lephalale‼️

Police in Lephalale, Waterberg District, Limpopo are investigating a case of statutory r**e involving a minor.

It is Alleged that the matter came to light after a 17-year-old girl visited a local public hospital for a medical examination, where it was discovered that she is pregnant. Following the findings, a 52-year-old male social worker was notified and responded to the report at the hospital.

According to information available, the minor alleged that she was impregnated by her 20-year-old boyfriend. The girl’s parents were informed of the situation but reportedly declined to open a case at the time. As a result, the social worker proceeded to report the matter to police.

The incident is alleged to have occurred at a residential property in the TPA area of Lephalale between 25 December 2025 and 9 January 2026.

Police have confirmed that the suspect has not yet been arrested, and investigations are ongoing. All relevant role players have been notified, and the case is being handled in line with child protection laws.

Authorities continue to encourage the reporting of offences involving minors to ensure their safety and access to support services.