POLOKWANE – Three people are dead following the sold-out Shandesh One Woman Show hosted at the Peter Mokaba rugby field on October 3, with police investigating three separate cases as questions mount over public safety around large-scale events.

Two of the deaths occurred in the early hours of October 4, in separate incidents near the stadium.

The third involved a man whose decomposed body was discovered in a pond at the Polokwane Golf Club on October 7, days after he was reported missing a day after the event.

Police have not confirmed whether the three deaths are connected to the event. Investigations are ongoing, and postmortem results are still pending in the golf course case.

The incidents have renewed concerns about security arrangements and accountability in the areas surrounding privately organised events, particularly as Polokwane prepares for the festive season.

The Lekompo festival, organised by KP Tlaks Entertainment, owned by Philly Matlakala, began in Solomondale in 2024.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Maphure Manamela confirmed that the police are investigating a murder and a culpable homicide case following the two fatal incidents on October 4.

First incident: Man assaulted near stadium

In the first incident, a 29-year-old man sustained serious injuries during a confrontation with a group of people near the stadium. He was transported to hospital, where he was later certified dead.

According to information provided by police, a friend of the deceased had arrived at the scene to collect him when he saw that the man was being assaulted by a group of people.

The friend reportedly discharged one shot from his licensed firearm, causing the group to disperse. Police subsequently seized the firearm for ballistic analysis as part of the investigation.

The matter is being investigated as murder. No arrests have been made in connection with the fatal incident, although police have indicated that they have strong leads.

Second incident: Pedestrian struck by vehicle

In a separate incident, a 25-year-old pedestrian was struck by a vehicle near the stadium. The vehicle reportedly failed to stop after the collision, and paramedics certified the pedestrian dead at the scene.

The case is being investigated as culpable homicide. No arrests have been reported in connection with this death.

Golf club discovery investigated separately

The discovery of a man’s body at the golf club has added another layer of concern to the incidents reported in the aftermath of the show.

Members of the golf club discovered the body in a pond on October 7. The body was already decomposed.

The man had been reported missing on social media since the Sunday. Reports indicated that he was found wearing an event wristband, although this does not establish that his death was connected to the show.

Police are currently investigating the matter as an inquest while awaiting postmortem results.

Investigators have, however, not confirmed a link between the golf course death and the two fatal incidents near the stadium. All three deaths are being investigated separately.

Questions remain about whether the incidents may be connected, given their timing and proximity to the event. Police have yet to make a formal determination on this possibility.

17 cellphones recovered

Separately, a man was arrested on the night of the event after being found in possession of 17 cellphones. The matter is being investigated as possession of stolen property.

The arrest is distinct from the investigations into the three deaths.

Police have not reported any arrests in the fatal cases, although investigators are following leads.

Anyone who believes one of the recovered cellphones belongs to them, or who requires assistance regarding the devices, is urged to contact the investigating officer.

The cellphone recovery has further drawn attention to alleged criminal activity in areas around the venue during the event.

Questions over responsibility

The incidents have raised questions about the respective responsibilities of the municipality, event organisers and law enforcement in managing security beyond the boundaries of a hired venue.

Questions were put to Polokwane Municipality regarding its security responsibilities and the arrangements governing the use of municipal facilities for large-scale events. The municipality declined to comment.

The issue remains particularly relevant where incidents occur in nearby roads, parking areas and public spaces that may fall outside an organiser’s designated security perimeter.

Organiser: Security focused on designated area

Matlakala said the show had been organised according to the required procedures and that criminal elements had targeted the gathering.

He previously indicated that a joint operational centre involving police, emergency medical services and private security personnel had been deployed at the field.

According to Matlakala, the security team was responsible for identifying troublemakers within the venue and handing them over to police.

He maintained that the security arrangements were focused on the designated event area and that incidents outside this perimeter were beyond the team’s direct responsibility.

How to assist

No arrests have been reported in connection with the three deaths.

Anyone with information can contact Sergeant Detective Tebogo Mabula at 078 488 3435.