Latest news with #Tzaneen
The Herald
11-07-2025
- Health
- The Herald
Mother of boy who died in initiation school fire didn't know he was there
Matsebatlela said her son was initially admitted to Letaba hospital, but due to the severity of his wounds, he was taken to a private facility in Tzaneen. He was later transferred to Barberton hospital where he died on Tuesday. 'While I was doing all the runaround alone, seeking medical attention for my son, the department [of co-operative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta)] was nowhere to be found. Even after the incident, there is still no communication from relevant authorities, let alone psychosocial support,' she said. Matsebatlela said 'the principal of the initiation school never bothered to contact me, and to this day, he never said anything'. Limpopo Cogta spokesperson Amos Phago said: 'The initiation school was legal. If that was not the case, the department wouldn't be running around trying to intervene.' Another initiate, Raymond Sekele, 19, died at Philadelphia hospital in the Sekhukhune district on Sunday. It is understood that Sekele was receiving medical treatment for epilepsy during his admission at an initiation school in Dennilton, outside Groblersdal. Limpopo premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba said it was heartbreaking that such promising young lives had been cut short. 'It is our collective responsibility to ensure that all initiates attending these schools are protected and safe. We call upon all individuals entrusted with the oversight of these young men to exercise utmost vigilance,' she said. Meanwhile, Cogta MEC Basikopo Makamu said the department has urged all traditional leaders and school operators to enforce safety regulations diligently to prevent similar tragedies. SowetanLIVE
News24
03-07-2025
- Health
- News24
Blaze at Limpopo initiation school leaves surgeon and six initiates injured
A fire broke out at a private initiation school in Tzaneen's Maake Village in Limpopo, injuring six initiates and the traditional surgeon. The fire occurred late on Tuesday night, displacing 18 remaining initiates, who have since been relocated to another school. MEC Basikopo Makamu expressed deep concern, affirming continued government efforts to ensure adherence to safety laws during initiation seasons. Six initiates and a traditional surgeon were injured when an initiation school caught fire at Maake Village, outside Tzaneen, Limpopo. The fire broke out on Tuesday evening at a registered private initiation school. According to the Limpopo Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, the school reported that the surgeon, who also serves as the principal of the initiation school, and his initiates were asleep when a massive blaze woke them up at around 23:00. 'While the fire was ultimately contained, a total of seven people sustained injuries from the blaze,' said the department's spokesperson, Amos Phago. 'The five initiates are in a stable condition at Dr CN Phatudi Hospital, while the sixth was transferred to Letaba Hospital for further treatment.' Phago added that the surgeon had been discharged from hospital. MEC Basikopo Makamu said government had made extensive preparations for the initiation season. 'It leaves us without enough words to comfort the families of the affected kids, as well as the surgeon. We really wish them a speedy recovery,' he said. He said the other 18 initiates at the school had been relocated to an alternative school to allow them to complete the season. Makamu said his department would continue collaborating with the provincial health department, education department, and the police to ensure that the 2025 initiation season is a success and complies with the country's laws.
The Herald
24-06-2025
- The Herald
Murder suspects in early morning escape from custody
Police in Letsitele, near Tzaneen, have launched a manhunt for three awaiting-trial prisoners who escaped from police cells early on Tuesday morning. At about 5.35am, murder suspects Patrick Mbombi, Thabo Moye Makgopa and Javas Mongwe allegedly overpowered officers on duty and fled on foot, Limpopo police spokesperson Col Malesela Ledwaba said. Anyone with information about the whereabouts of the suspects is urged to contact detectives commander Lt-Col Mavis Shilubane at 082-469-0900, or the nearest police station or police toll-free number 08600-10111 or use the MySAPS App. TimesLIVE
The Herald
24-06-2025
- The Herald
R100,000 reward for man who killed Catholic priest in Limpopo
Police in Limpopo are offering a reward of R100,000 to anyone who can help them catch the killer of William Banda, a priest at the Roman Catholic Church in Tzaneen. The 36-year-old was fatally shot while preparing for a church sermon on March 13 last year. Limpopo police spokesperson Col Malesela Ledwaba said the suspect arrived at the church pretending to be a congregant. He shot the priest before fleeing in a white vehicle without registration numbers. Anyone with positive information that can lead to the arrest and subsequent conviction of the perpetrator should contact the investigating officer W/O Shai on 082 465 2996 or the provincial commander of the murder and robbery unit Col Tinyiko Shilenge, on 071 673 1814. Callers can also use the Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or contact their nearest police station. TimesLIVE
News24
24-06-2025
- News24
Police put up R100K reward for info on priest's murderer a year later
More than a year after Roman Catholic priest William Banda was murdered in his church, Limpopo police have put up a R100 000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrator. 'Reports suggest that an unknown male suspect arrived at the [Tzaneen Roman Catholic Church] pretending to be a congregant. He suddenly pulled out a firearm and shot the priest several times,' police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said. At the time, Banda was preparing for a sermon. 'The suspect thereafter fled the scene in a white vehicle without registration numbers.' The man was wearing black pants, a brown shirt, and a waistcoat. He had a clean black haircut and a small goatee. Police released an identikit of him in April. News24 previously reported that Banda was declared dead on arrival at a hospital. Banda was a Zambian national of the St Patrick's Society for Foreign Missions, also known as the Kiltegan Fathers. The incident occurred hours after three Egyptian Coptic monks were killed inside a monastery in Gauteng. The monks were stabbed to death at a church in Cullinan and the assailants left without taking any valuables. Anyone with information leading to the arrest and subsequent conviction of the perpetrator can contact Warrant Officer Shai on 082 465 2996 or Colonel Tinyiko Shilenge on 071 673 1814.
