logo
Initiation elders granted bail after damaging woman's home

Initiation elders granted bail after damaging woman's home

The Citizen14 hours ago
The elders allegedly also stole the woman's cash after trashing her home.
Four initiation 'elders' from Ga-Phooko village in the Sekgosese policing area have been granted bail after appearing in court on charges of malicious damage to property and theft of cash.
The men, aged between 28 and 42, allegedly damaged household items and stole money from a woman's home after confronting her about playing loud music during initiation school periods.
Three of the accused were released on free bail while one was granted R500 bail during their second court appearance on 3 July 2025.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba confirmed that 'three of the initiation elders were released on free bail, while Phooko Moyahabo Edwin was granted R500 bail.'
The accused are Phooko Moyahabo Edwin (42), Ramare Mpho Godfrey (36), Selowa Kabelo (28), and Makhumisane Thabang (30).
Woman's home trashed for not respecting cultural practices
The charges arise from an incident on 24 June, when the four initiation elders allegedly left their initiation school to confront the woman.
According to cultural practices during initiation school periods, community members are prohibited from playing loud music.
Mashaba explained that 'upon arrival at the complainant's premises, the initiation elders allegedly entered the property without permission and proceeded inside the house where the music was being played.'
During the confrontation, the men allegedly damaged various household items, including a DVD player, a plasma television, Wi-Fi equipment, chairs, and a microwave.
The complainant also reported that an undisclosed amount of cash was stolen during the incident.
ALSO READ: Limpopo's Rain Queen suspends initiation schools in 2025
Court proceedings
The suspects were arrested on 26 June following the opening of cases for malicious damage to property and theft.
Mashaba stated that the four accused made their first court appearance on 27 June, at which time they were remanded in custody until 3 July.
Police investigations continue, and the matter will return to court on 11 August, according to Mashaba.
ALSO READ: No deaths goal set for Limpopo initiation season
Initiation elders warned
Provincial Commissioner of Police Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has called on community leaders and elders to ensure that cultural practices are conducted within the bounds of the law and that disputes are resolved through proper channels.
'No one is supposed to take the law into his or her own hands, even with the slightest provocation.
'There are avenues for members of the community to follow, including reporting the matter to law enforcement authorities or traditional leadership in their respective areas,' Lieutenant General Hadebe said.
READ NEXT: Western Cape school principal gets job back after demotion over 'kwedini' remark to his deputy
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Top 10 stories of the day: Mkhwanazi vs Mchunu
Top 10 stories of the day: Mkhwanazi vs Mchunu

The Citizen

time4 hours ago

  • The Citizen

Top 10 stories of the day: Mkhwanazi vs Mchunu

Here's your daily news update for Monday, 7 July 2025: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories. In the news today, The Citizen explores five things you need to know about the explosive feud between Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu and KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Meanwhile, one of the men who killed former ANCYL secretary-general Sindiso Magaqa has been sentenced to 25 years for murder. Furthermore, tickets for global hip-hop heavyweight Travis Scott's record-breaking Circus Maximus tour to FNB Stadium are still available. Weather tomorrow: 8 July 2025 Tuesday brings cold, foggy mornings and some drizzle across several provinces. Fine weather is expected in parts of the Northern Cape and Western Cape. Full weather forecast here. Stay up to date with The Citizen – More News, Your Way. Mkhwanazi vs Mchunu: 5 things you need to know about their explosive feud There has been a massive spat between the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, and KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. During a media briefing on Sunday, Mkhwanazi made explosive revelations, accusing senior police leadership, including Mchunu, of interfering in investigations into politically motivated killings. KZN police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. Pictures: Gallo Images There are concerns that the spat might affect policing and administration. In a detailed briefing, Mkhwanazi exposed the removal of 121 case dockets from his political killings task team by Deputy National Commissioner General Shadrack Sibiya, allegedly under the instruction of Mchunu. CONTINUE READING: Mkhwanazi vs Mchunu: 5 things you need to know about their explosive feud Magaqa's killer sentenced to 25 years imprisonment for murder One of the men who killed former ANCYL secretary-general Sindiso Magaqa has been sentenced to 25 years for murder. Sibusiso Ncengwa admitted that he was part of a group of men who were paid R120 000 to kill Magaqa in 2017. Magaqa was shot in July 2017 and succumbed to his injuries after spending time in the hospital. Picture: Supplied His lawyers had pleaded for leniency. They argued that he had apologised to the Magaqa family and had shown remorse for his deeds. Ncengwa is also serving time in prison for other crimes unrelated to Magaqa's murder. These include armed robberies. CONTINUE READING: Magaqa's killer sentenced to 25 years imprisonment for murder Must get! Travis Scott tickets for FNB Stadium still up for grabs Global hip-hop heavyweight Travis Scott is bringing his record-breaking Circus Maximus tour to FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on Saturday, 11 October 2025. And the best part? Tickets are still available. Travis Scott performs during Young Thug's set at the 2025 Lyrical Lemonade Summer Smash at SeatGeek Stadium on June 22, 2025 in Bridgeview, Illinois. Picture:The concert is being billed as more than just a music show; it's set to be a high-energy, immersive experience that fans won't forget. The Sicko Mode hitmaker's current tour has been declared the highest-grossing solo rap tour of all time, with sold-out arenas across Europe, North America and the Middle East. CONTINUE READING: Must get! Travis Scott tickets for FNB Stadium still up for grabs Saps investigates TikTok allegations against officer accused of drinking on duty The South African Police Service (Saps) has launched an urgent investigation into a viral TikTok video that shows a uniformed police officer being accused of being under the influence of alcohol while on duty. According to North West police spokesperson Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone, the footage, which has been widely circulated, depicts a group confronting the officer and making serious accusations about his state while on official duty. Picture: Gallo Images/Frennie Shivambu Mokgwabone noted that the provincial commissioner condemned the alleged behaviour, saying such conduct will not be tolerated within the ranks of the Saps. CONTINUE READING: Saps investigates TikTok allegations against officer accused of drinking on duty 22 arrested after illegal workers and weapons found in Roodepoort factory raid Home Affairs Deputy Minister Njabulo Nzuza on Monday revealed that law enforcement discovered weapons and ammunition during a raid on a Roodepoort factory allegedly employing illegal immigrants. The factory, owned by a Chinese national, was raided during an operation that led to 22 arrests. Picture: Home Affairs/ X The discovery of weapons has escalated the matter beyond immigration violations. CONTINUE READING: 22 arrested after illegal workers and weapons found in Roodepoort factory raid Here are five more stories of the day: Yesterday's News recap READ HERE: Top 10 stories of the day: Mkhwanazi drags Mchunu | Dirco on terrorism in SA | Steenhuisen's 'insubordination'

MaMkhize amid Mkhwanazi bombshells: 'Let my silence speak volumes'
MaMkhize amid Mkhwanazi bombshells: 'Let my silence speak volumes'

The South African

time5 hours ago

  • The South African

MaMkhize amid Mkhwanazi bombshells: 'Let my silence speak volumes'

MaMkhize – real name Shauwn Mkhize – has seemingly responded to being name-dropped in a series of bombshells made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and now Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron. This relates to allegations that Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu has ties to criminal gangs and has meddled in police investigations into politically motivated murders. In 2023, MaMkhize – a reality TV star and businesswoman – made headlines for partying with controversial then-police minister Bheki Cele, who has since retired. A day after KZN Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi's bombshell media briefing about Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu, Ian Cameron dropped more damning allegations relating to the minister and his affiliations. The Portfolio Committee on Police chairperson claimed that SARS and police had found 40 firearms in a house raid of MaMkhize's La Lucia home last November. Cameron said in a media briefing on Monday: 'During that raid [of MaMkhize's house], a whole cache of firearms was seized. All of those firearms were registered to a security company belonging to none other than Mr Cat Matlala'. Cameron is referring to mafia businessman Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala, who, Mkhwanazi previously claimed, is believed to have benefited from his relationship with Mchunu. Cameron added that all the firearms had been returned to Matlala despire their call for an inquiry. Like MaMkhize, Matlala has been accused of unlawfully acquiring lucrative government tenders, one of which was a R360 million healthcare deal for the SAPS last year. Matlala is currently facing charges of money laundering as well as attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder based on a 2023 attempted hit on his ex-girlfriend, socialite Tebojo Thobejane. MaMkhize has posted a subtle response to her name trending online amid the drama unfolding between Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and Senzo Mchunu. 'Let my silence speak volumes', she posted on her Instagram Stories. In recent months, MaMkhize has made headlines over her R40 million SARS tax evasion and the forfeiture and auction of dozens of multi-million rand luxury cars. She has also had her PSL soccer club, Royal AM, sold to pay off her debt. MaMkhize's name topped the trends list after a top SARS official survived an assassination via Instagram: @kwa_mammkhize/ X: @vehicletrackers Last year, MaMkhize's name trended on social media after a SARS official investigating her case escaped an attempted hit. She has also previously been charged with other alleged criminal activity, including fraud, forgery, and bribery. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.

Stolen Pretoria vehicle recovered in Limpopo before crossing border
Stolen Pretoria vehicle recovered in Limpopo before crossing border

The Citizen

time11 hours ago

  • The Citizen

Stolen Pretoria vehicle recovered in Limpopo before crossing border

A luxury SUV valued at over R2.5-million, which was stolen in Brooklyn, was recently retrieved, travelling towards the Beitbridge border. An anti-smuggling operation conducted by the Limpopo provincial police saw officers recovering the SUV along the N1 highway near Polokwane on July 2. It was a collaborative effort comprising different stakeholders, including the Limpopo SAPS, Shadow Secure Security, Tshimollo Security and Investigations, and Tracker Connect. According to Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, police acted on intelligence regarding a stolen vehicle travelling from Gauteng towards the Beitbridge border. He said the recovered vehicle matched the description of a vehicle stolen in Pretoria. 'The vehicle matching the description, a white Nissan Patrol V8 5.6, was identified and intercepted near Shell Ultra City within the Westernburg policing area. Further investigation confirmed the vehicle had been stolen in Brooklyn, Pretoria,' Mashaba said. He said the police acted swiftly and arrested the suspect driving the vehicle. 'A 51-year-old Zimbabwean who was behind the wheel was arrested on the spot and charged with possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle.' Mashaba said the suspect appeared before the Polokwane Magistrate's Court on July 4. Provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, praised the swift recovery of the vehicle and hailed the collaboration that made it possible. ALSO READ: Tshwane slaps 713 properties with penalty rates over illegal land use Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store