Polokwane – Police in Limpopo have arrested five suspects, including two octogenarians, in connection with the unlawful establishment of traditional leadership structures in Moletjie, in Seshego.
Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the high-profile fraud and theft case was opened in September 2025.
The spokesperson said the matter was reported to the police after the main suspect, Abram Kgabo Matabola from Ga-Kolopo village, unlawfully presented himself as a king over Moletjie and surrounding villages within the Capricorn District.
“He allegedly appointed individuals as indunas under the purported kingship of Kgoshi Kgabo Moloto III,” said Colonel Malesela.
The suspects’ actions reportedly led to community instability, including the illegal allocation of residential stands, interference with service delivery, and the unauthorised certification of documents.
“Following a complaint by the Moletjie Traditional Authority, Seshego detectives conducted an extensive investigation, which led to the National Prosecuting Authority authorising the arrests,” said Colonel Malesela.
The arrested suspects include: 52-year-old Wilson Chokoe, 87-year-old Lucas Sekwaila, 69-year-old Jacob Molele, 74-year-old Petrus Mothapo, and 82-year-old Bernard Chokoe.
Earlier this week, on Tuesday, 7 April 2026, all five accused appeared before the Seshego Magistrate’s Court.
However, the case was adjourned to Monday, 13 April 2026, for a formal bail application.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, welcomed the arrests, saying: “We will not tolerate any actions that undermine lawful traditional leadership structures or exploit communities through fraudulent means.
“The South African Police Service remains committed to ensuring that all those involved are brought to justice.”
Investigations are ongoing.
