Popular Limpopo rehabilitation centre owner and anti-drug activist Phillimon Tsebe Moloto (51) widely known as “Mr Moloto”, has been released on R50,000 bail after appearing in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on charges linked to the alleged burning of his former girlfriend and business partner’s vehicle.
Moloto, who owns the Limpopo Anti-Drug, Gangsterism and Crime (LADGAC) Rehabilitation Centre, faces two counts of malicious damage to property. The charges stem from incidents that allegedly took place on 28 June, when a Toyota Hilux and a rehabilitation centre signboard belonging to his former partner were set alight. Prosecutors allege the damage amounted to about R800,000.
Moloto and the complainant were previously in a romantic relationship and jointly operated the LADGAC Rehabilitation Centre before their personal and business relationship ended. The complainant later established her own rehabilitation facility. Prosecutors allege Moloto poured a flammable substance onto her Toyota Hilux while it was parked at her parents’ home in Seshego before allegedly setting fire to a signboard advertising her new rehabilitation centre in Ladanna.
When announcing Moloto’s arrest on Monday, Limpopo police said investigators linked him to both incidents following an intelligence-driven investigation.
Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said: “According to the investigation, at about 4.30am, an unknown suspect allegedly set alight a signboard of ‘Rehabilitation Centre’ in Ladanna, next to Dendron Road. The suspect then allegedly proceeded to Seshego Zone 3, where a Toyota Hilux Extended Cab was set alight.”
The fire extensively damaged the vehicle and spread to a portion of the house, where seven occupants were asleep. Neighbours acted swiftly and managed to extinguish the flames before further damage or injuries could occur. The estimated value of the damage is approximately R800,000.
Police arrested Moloto at his Welgelegen home in Polokwane before he made a brief appearance in the Seshego Magistrate’s Court. The matter was later transferred to the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court, where it was consolidated with the second case.
The court granted Moloto bail of R50,000 with strict conditions. He must report to the Polokwane police station twice a week, is prohibited from contacting the complainant or visiting her home or workplace, and may not apply for a passport while the case is before the courts. He must also notify the investigating officer should he wish to leave Limpopo.
The case has been postponed to 22 September 2026 as police continue their investigation.
