The post Court Grants Forfeiture Order Against Giyani Properties Worth Over R22 Million appeared first on MDNtv.
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The order, granted on 13 February 2026, relates to Erf 2B, Erf 58B, Erf 64B and Erf 227B situated on Kremetart Street, Giyani.
According to NPA Limpopo Spokesperson Mashudu Malabi the successful forfeiture is the result of coordinated efforts by the South African Police Service’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), the Anti-Corruption Unit, and the AFU.
“The court accepted the AFU’s submission that there are reasonable grounds to believe the properties constitute proceeds of unlawful activities and/or were used as instruments to commit offences, including: Fraud, theft, and money laundering, Contravention of Limpopo Practice Note on Disposal of Assets (Note No. 05/2007), Breaches of municipal and provincial asset disposal policies, Contraventions of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), Contraventions of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and Treasury Regulations; and Contraventions of sections 5 and 6 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA), including assisting another to benefit from unlawful proceeds and knowingly acquiring or using such property.
“These offences are alleged to have been perpetrated 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 Magezi Ben Mashaba (Mashaba Senior), through a company known as Mbangwa Trading and Projects,” she said.
Malabi saif the purported sales involved Erf 2B, Erf 58B, Erf 64B and Erf 227B for amounts ranging from R290 000 to R450 000, with payments allegedly made directly into Jakobus’s personal bank account.
“Despite the purported transactions, the properties were never transferred and remain registered in the name of the National Government and/or the Limpopo Department of Public Works. Notably, the department’s building that once stood on Erf 58B was demolished, and a hotel has since been erected on the property,” she said.
The Director of Public Prosecutions in Limpopo, Advocate Ivy Thenga, welcomed the court order, stating that the AFU will intensify its efforts to pursue high-profile suspects, particularly through its civil forfeiture powers under Chapter 6 of POCA.
“This order demonstrates that crime does not pay. Through the AFU’s civil forfeiture mandate, we can recover stolen state assets and funds, including those concealed in foreign jurisdictions. We will continue to act decisively to safeguard public resources,” she said.
She further commended the collaborative work of the DPCI, the Anti-Corruption Unit and the AFU, emphasising their commitment to accountability and the protection of public assets.
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]]>The post Traditional Healer Pleads Guilty To The Brutal Murder Of Dr Johannes Mehlape appeared first on MDNtv.
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Mehlape was a Circuit Manager at the Limpopo Department of Education.
Limpopo National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Spokesperson Mashudu Malabi said that Mehlape’s death was orchestrated by his daughter Mologadi Magdeline Mehlape who has since been sentenced to life imprisonment.
“The murder follows claims made by traditional healer, Mogotlane who alleged that Mehlape was responsible for her mother’s death through the use of “muthi”.
“When attempts to retaliate using traditional means failed, Mehlape enlisted the help of various family members to hire a contract killer, agreeing to pay R200,000 for the murder,” she said.
She further said that on Monday, Mogotlane pleaded guilty and the court sentenced him to 20 years’ imprisonment for murder and 13 years’ imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances.
“He accepted his responsibility for his role in the offences to cause the death of Dr Mehlape. Three others accused, Tshepo Gabriel Ranoto (34), Mahlodi Melida Mathole (34) and Michael Sello Molongoane (42) appeared alongside Mogotlane,” she said.
The trial for these accused has been separated and postponed to 02-13 November 2026 in the Polokwane High Court.
The NPA welcomed the conviction and life sentence, viewing it as a clear affirmation of the justice system’s resolve to hold perpetrators of serious and violent crimes accountable.
It further said the outcome underscores the NPA’s unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and securing justice for victims and their families.
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