LIMPOPO – The provincial anti-corruption unit in Limpopo has secured the conviction and sentencing of prominent Giyani businessman Howard Alex Mashaba, 45, following his arrest and subsequent prosecution on charges of intimidation and contravening a protection order.

Mashaba, a businessman who owns buses and hotels in and around Giyani and other areas, was brought before the court after allegedly violating the terms of a protection order and committing an act of intimidation.

Dispute over leased property

This emanates from an incident that occurred on July 4, 2024, when Mashaba allegedly went to the complainant’s residence at a property or a house she leased from the Department of Public Works.

Upon arrival, Mashaba allegedly instructed her to vacate the premises, claiming that he had purchased the house.

The complainant refused and explained that she was the lawful tenant of the property. She further alleged that Mashaba and his accomplices threatened her by cutting off the electricity supply to the house and painting its walls red, which she believed symbolised a death threat.

Protection order granted

She then approached the Giyani Magistrate’s Court on July 5, 2024, and applied for a protection order against Mashaba. The order was subsequently served on him, and he was given a date to appear in court.

However, despite this, on August 2, 2024, Mashaba allegedly arrived at the complainant’s workplace accompanied by an entourage. He threatened and insulted her in the presence of her colleagues, including by making derogatory remarks about her personal life.

The complainant reported the conduct to the Giyani Magistrate’s Court, which subsequently issued a warrant of arrest against Mashaba.

Arrest and prosecution

The matter was then referred to the anti-corruption unit in Polokwane for further investigation.

Mashaba was arrested on August 21, 2024, and subsequently appeared before the Giyani Magistrate’s Court on several occasions.

On June 8, 2026, he was found guilty on both counts, namely intimidation and contravening a protection order. The matter was postponed to September 22 this year for sentencing.

Fines and suspended prison terms

The Giyani Magistrate’s Court sentenced Mashaba to a fine of R10 000 or six months’ imprisonment for intimidation, with an additional 12 months’ imprisonment wholly suspended for five years on certain conditions.

On the second count, he was sentenced to a fine of R15 000 or nine months’ imprisonment for contravening a protection order, with an additional 12 months’ imprisonment wholly suspended for five years on certain conditions.

Police welcome conviction

Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers commended the unit for securing the conviction and sentence.

“This outcome demonstrates the commitment of the police in Limpopo to ensuring that criminal cases are thoroughly investigated and that those found guilty are held accountable, irrespective of their social or economic standing,” said Scheepers.