GIYANI BUSINESSMAN HOWARD MASHABA ABSCONDS TRIAL IN THE POLOKWANE COMMERCIAL CRIMES COURT IS TO FACE ARREST
POLOKWANE: Limpopo – Accused Howard Mashaba was due to appear before the Polokwane Specialised Commercial Crimes Court; however, he absconded from trial after reportedly travelling to China on a business trip without the permission of the court.
As a result, a warrant of arrest was authorised and issued for immediate execution.
Mashaba, who hardly takes a picture alone, was previously friends with Xitsonga artist Benny Mayengani.
Mashaba faces the following charges:
- Two counts of fraud, Theft, three counts of money laundering, and Contraventions of Sections 4, 5, and 6 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA), including assisting another person to benefit from the proceeds of unlawful activities, as well as knowingly acquiring, possessing, or using such property.
The offences were allegedly committed against the National Government and the Limpopo Department of Public Works, Roads, and Infrastructure. It is alleged that fraudulent deeds of sale were concluded between the late Fourie Willem Jakobus, Howard Alex Mashaba, and/or Magezi Ben Mashaba (Mashaba Senior), through a company known as Mbangwa Trading and Projects. The purported transactions involved properties situated on Erf 2B, Erf 58B, Erf 64B, and Erf 227B, for amounts ranging between R290 000 and R450 000. Payments were allegedly made directly into Jakobus’s personal bank account.
Despite the purported sales, the properties were never transferred and remain registered in the name of the National Government and/or the Limpopo Department of Public Works, Roads, and Infrastructure. Notably, the department’s building that previously stood on Erf 58B was demolished, and a hotel has since been erected on the property.
The matter has been postponed to 29 June 2026. Mashaba is expected to appear alongside his three co-accused.
