Latest news with #PolokwaneReview-Observer
The Citizen
23-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
VIDEO: Nelson Mandela Drive roadworks cause DIY traffic rules
POLOKWANE – Frustration is boiling over the ongoing roadworks on Nelson Mandela Drive as it has not only caused major congestion in surrounding areas, but also a rise in reckless driving and disregard for the rules of the road. With little to no visibility of traffic officials to manage the chaos, motorists have reported to the Polokwane Review-Observer that drivers have turned alternative routes into a free for all. The project, which began last Wednesday has led to many drivers having to divert through alternative routes, causing congestion in suburbs like Ladanna, Seshego, the Extensions and Westenburg. They claim these roads are now also congested and unsafe, with tensions running high during peak traffic. A video, taken by Observer journalist Koketso Sekhwela this morning in Fluoorspar Street, shows two motorists in a bakkie and a taxi, clearly violating the National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996 by driving on a pathway to avoid congestion. Under the act, it is generally prohibited to drive on pavements and states that vehicles should be driven on designated roadways and pavements are reserved for pedestrian traffic. Roadworks causing a bigger traffic issue According to the spokesperson of the Polokwane Municiaplity, Thipa Selala, the project involves the rehabilitation of base layer and resurfacing of the road. 'The project also includes maintenance of the existing stormwater infrastructure to improve drainage and extend the lifespan of the road,' Selala told the Review-Observer. Read more: Roadworks to continue on Nelson Mandela Drive until September Despite Polokwane Traffic Officials visible on key routes, motorists said there is no sight of pointsmen at key intersections. When asked how the municipality is managing traffic flow, Selala said the municipality has placed temporary traffic signage at key points to guide motorists around the construction area. 'In addition, municipal traffic control officers are deployed at critical intersections to assist with traffic flow, especially during peak hours. Additional traffic personnel may be deployed as needed based on traffic volume and movement patterns,' he said. Public notices were issued through the Polokwane Municipality Facebook and X pages, the municipal WhatsApp channel, ward councillors and the Municipal Public Participation Unit to inform residents of the road closure and expected disruptions. TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURE ALERT From 16 July (17h00) to 16 Sept (17h00), lanes on Nelson Mandela Dr (Rissik–Vermikuliet) will be partially closed for maintenance. Please use alternative routes & plan ahead. Log queries via MyPolokwane Citizen App or call 015 290 2000. End — Polokwane Municipality (@PolokwaneMuni) July 16, 2025 Selala said they continue to engage directly with key stakeholders, including nearby businesses, schools and the taxi associations, to address concerns and provide relevant updates. To meet the project completion target of September, the appointed contractor has committed to deploying additional resources on site which includes extended working hours and weekend operations to ensure the work progresses efficiently and on schedule. 'Motorists are encouraged to make use of alternative routes through the Ladine area and other clearly marked detours indicated on site. Temporary signage has been installed to assist with navigation and reduce congestion in the affected area. We appreciates the public's patience and cooperation as we work to deliver safer, more durable road infrastructure for all,' he concluded. Selala was also asked to clarify what consequences, if any, are in place for motorists who violate traffic rules. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
16-07-2025
- The Citizen
Fake hijackings uncovered after stripped Porsche discovery in Nirvana
POLOKWANE – Two men who reported their vehicles hijacked have been arrested for allegedly staging the crimes and working together to have the vehicles stripped and sold for parts. The twist comes after the recent recovery of a stripped luxury Porsche Cayenne and a Toyota Tazz at a workshop in Nirvana, as reported by the Polokwane Review-Observer last week. Read more: PHOTOS: Stripped Porsche recovered in Nirvana chop shop raid The Porsche, reported hijacked in Zebediela in May, was found dismantled in a workshop in Nelson Mandela Drive on July 9, during a joint operation led by the Limpopo Tracking Team, Tracker Connect, and other private security partners. The Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said further investigations revealed that the vehicle's owner, Paballo Masokameng (37), had allegedly faked the hijacking. 'The suspect claimed he was robbed by three unknown men after offering them a lift, a story now exposed as false. Masokameng is accused of removing and selling parts of the Porsche himself before arranging for it to be transported to the Nirvana workshop for full stripping,' Ledwaba's statement read. He added that Masokameng was arrested and charged with fraud, perjury, and defeating the ends of justice and appeared in the Polokwane Magistrate's Court yesterday. He returns to court today for a formal bail. In a connected case, Ledwaba said Emmanuel Boshomane (37), a TVET College lecturer, was also arrested for falsely reporting the hijacking of his Toyota Tazz, which was recovered at the same workshop. Ledwaba said Boshomane was persuaded by Masokameng to stage the hijacking and hand over the vehicle, which was later resprayed and fitted with false number plates. Boshomane was charged with fraud, perjury, and defeating the ends of justice. He was granted R500 bail on July 15, and is expected back in court on August 27. 'The workshop owner, Mustafar Hussain (49), a Tanzanian national, remains in custody. He is charged with possession of suspected stolen motor vehicles and is set to appear in court for a bail application tomorrow (July 16),' Ledwaba added. The provincial police commissioner, Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe, has condemned the misuse of police resources. 'We will uncover the truth, no matter how elaborate the scheme. Those who attempt to deceive the police or commit insurance fraud will be arrested and prosecuted,' she said. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
07-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Polokwane's ageing roads to blame for recurring potholes, says muni
POLOKWANE – The Polokwane Municipality says it is aware of the mounting frustration over the state of the city's roads and has assured residents that pothole repairs are part of a continuous maintenance programme currently being implemented across affected areas. Polokwane's streets are riddled with potholes, with areas once free of road damage, now barely drivable. Residents have complained about the deteriorating state of roads in the city, citing the danger it poses to motorists and other road users. Earlier this year, the municipality confirmed it depleted all funds available for the remainder of the then financial year to repair potholes, but municipal spokesperson Thipa Selala confirmed that road patching teams are on the ground daily, working systematically to restore safer road surfaces. Read more: Polokwane's pothole crisis worsens as repair budget runs dry In response to questions from the Polokwane Review-Observer, Selala said the turnaround time for reported potholes generally ranges between 48 and 120 hours, depending on the size of the pothole and the classification of the road. Urgent cases are prioritised to minimise risk to motorists. However, he acknowledged that recurring potholes, especially in certain areas, are often the result of roads that have reached the end of their design lifespan. 'In those cases, patching is only a temporary fix and full road rehabilitation is required, a process that is resource-intensive and forms part of the City's broader infrastructure upgrade plans,' he said. In May, the Polokwane Observer reported that 10 Pothole claims totaling R207k were filed against the Polokwane Municipality. Read more: 10 Pothole claims totaling R207k filed against Polokwane Municipality The municipality further noted that while the challenges are significant, steady progress is being made and public cooperation remains key. 'We understand the public's frustration and we share the same commitment to improving our road conditions. The pothole problem is being tackled head-on and with sustained effort and investment, it will become a thing of the past.' Residents are encouraged to report potholes and monitor the status of repairs via the MyPolokwane Citizen App, which the city says helps with faster response and better coordination. You might also want to read: Hit a pothole? This is how you can claim for damage to your vehicle At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
14-06-2025
- The Citizen
Help find Hennie: Family offers monetary reward for information
POLOKWANE – A reward of R5 000 is being offered to anyone with reliable information that can lead to the whereabouts of Hendrick 'Hennie' van Zyl (32). Van Zyl left his home in Polokwane on June 7 and was en route to the Greenery Shopping Centre at the time of his disappearance. Read more: Polokwane police search for missing man Hendrick van Zyl This is according to his cousin, Chris Barnard, who told the Polokwane Review-Observer that the family hopes the monetary reward will increase the chances of his cousin being found, as he has been missing for seven days now. At around 13:00 on June 7, van Zyl informed his grandparents that he would walk to the shopping center and return in about 30 minutes but never made it home. This prompted the family to file a missing person's docket three days later at the Polokwane Police Station. Van Zyl left home dressed in a green check shirt, a brownish jacket, blue jeans and black sneakers, the family representative confirmed. Barnard said Van Zyl started working as a fleet manager for a popular vehicle tracking company this June and has also worked for a Johannesburg-based medical facility. 'He is a kind soul but he needs his family, as his aunt, my mother, passed away three months ago, which has had an impact on him very much like the rest of the family,' Barnard said. Polokwane Community-Policing Forum chairperson Rudolph Phaswana said photos of Van Zyl were posted across many local community social media platforms with no results. Those with information are requested to contact the investigating officer Sgt Mokgadi Molope on 082 728 9831, the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or via the MySAPSApp. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
