A man accused of masquerading as a king, appointing his own “indunas” and unlawfully distributing land has drawn more suspects into a widening fraud and corruption case in Limpopo.
Police have confirmed the arrest of five additional suspects linked to the alleged scheme, bringing the number of arrests in the case to at least six, including the alleged kingpin.
Police spokesperson Colonel Maselela Ledwaba said the case was first opened in September 2025 and centres around Abram Kgabo Matabola from Ga-Kolopo village, who allegedly presented himself as a king over Moletjie and surrounding villages in the Capricorn District.
Ledwaba said Matabola went as far as appointing individuals as indunas under the purported kingship of Kgoshi Kgabo Moloto III.
He said the suspects’ actions led to community instability, including the illegal allocation of residential stands, interference with service delivery, and the unauthorised certification of documents.
Ledwaba said the arrests followed an extensive police investigation.
“The Moletjie Traditional Authority, Seshego detectives conducted an extensive investigation, which led to the National Prosecuting Authority authorising the arrests.”
The latest suspects taken into custody are Wilson Chokoe (52), Lucas Sekwaila (87), Jacob Molele (69), Petrus Mothapo (74), and Bernard Chokoe (82).
The accused appeared briefly before the Seshego Magistrate’s Court on April 7, where the matter was postponed to April 13 for a formal bail application.
Investigations are ongoing.
Limpopo Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe welcomed the arrests.
“We will not tolerate any actions that undermine lawful traditional leadership structures or exploit communities through fraudulent means. SAPS remains committed to ensuring that all those involved are brought to justice.”
The Star
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