POLOKWANE – Eleven additional suspects who have been arrested in connection with an illegal traditional leadership operation in Seshego have appeared before the Seshego Magistrate’s Court.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the suspects appeared in court on Tuesday (April 28) on charges of fraud and theft linked to the unlawful establishment and operation of traditional leadership structures in Moletjie.

The accused are Joseph Mannye (50), William Matlamela (54), Eric Matlala (70), Kwena Settles (58), Marry Thembi Manamela (67), Lesiba James Kobo (70), Kwena Elias Senaboyo (69), Kwena Molapo (71), Stephen Hlahla (62), Samuel Makgoka (76) and Johannes Masoga (68).

They were each granted R500 bail and are expected to return to court on June 23 alongside nine other accused who were previously arrested and released on bail in the same matter.

Mashaba said the latest arrests were carried out during an intensive tracing operation conducted over the weekend.

“The suspects were apprehended separately at Makibelo, Semenya and Hlahla villages in connection with a fraud and theft case reported in the Seshego policing area,” he said.

According to police, the case relates to allegations that certain individuals unlawfully established and operated traditional leadership structures in Moletjie, misrepresenting local authority structures.

Police say the accused were involved in activities including the illegal allocation of residential stands and the unauthorised certification of documents.

Mashaba said the actions negatively affected service delivery and created tensions within affected communities.

“The suspects acted outside the recognised traditional leadership framework, resulting in serious tensions within affected communities,” he added.

Police investigations are continuing.