State does not oppose bail for LADGAC founder in damage case
LADGAC founder Tsebe Moloto has been granted R50 000 bail in a double malicious damage case involving a burnt bakkie and damaged signage.
POLOKWANE – The state has not opposed bail for Limpopo Anti-Drug, Gangsterism and Crime (LADGAC) founder Tsebe Philemon Moloto (51) in a double malicious damage to property case heard in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
Senior Public Prosecutor Kgaogelo Lekoloane told the court the State proposed bail of R50 000 for Moloto, who has no previous convictions or pending warrants of arrest.
Strict bail conditions imposed
Instead, Lekoloane asked the court to impose strict conditions, including that Moloto:
- Report twice a week at Polokwane Police Station.
- Not renew his passport.
- Have no contact with complainant Patricia “Lebo” Rachidi, her family, her business, or anyone associated with her business.
The conditions were presented after the two separate malicious damage to property cases were consolidated.
The accusations
Moloto faces two counts relating to incidents at around 4:30 AM on June 18.
The first relates to the alleged burning of Rachidi’s bakkie at her family home in Zone 3, Seshego, where she was not in the house.
The second relates to alleged damage to signage along Dendron Road, which Rachidi said made her realise that the attack at her home was business-related at “LADGAC Lebo”, the centre Rachidi runs following a split from the original LADGAC.
Before his arrest, Rachidi told Review Online that the bakkie was found alight at around 4:30 AM. She said seven people were sleeping in the home at the time and that the family now fears for her safety.
READ MORE: Ladgac co-founder’s home in Seshego targeted in suspected arson
Arrest and court appearance
Moloto was arrested at his Welgelegen home on Monday. His seven-seater SUV was also confiscated for allegedly being used in the commission of the crime.
He appeared first at Seshego Magistrate’s Court, represented by Ramusi Attorneys, before the matter was transferred to Polokwane.
Case postponed
The matter was postponed to September 22 for further police investigations, led by Warrant Officer Vivian Gafane.
LADGAC Lebo supporters demonstrate
Outside court in Seshego, members of LADGAC Lebo demonstrated.
They argued the matter should be viewed in the context of gender-based violence and said the split of the original LADGAC into three groups – including LADGAC Lebo and LADGAC Makhura led by Oageng Makhura – should not have led to this.
Moloto is a known anti-drug activist and youth empowerment figure. His arrest has drawn national commentary.
