A well-known South African anti-crime activist and crusader for reforming criminals and drug addicts has been released on R50 000 bail after allegedly setting fire to his former girlfriend and business partner’s Toyota Hilux and a signage board.

The founder of the Limpopo Anti-Drugs, Gangsterism and Crime (LADGAC) Rehabilitation Centre, Tsebe Philimon Moloto was arrested on two counts of malicious damage to property. He briefly appeared in the Seshego Magistrates’ Court on one of the charges before appearing in the Polokwane Magistrates’ Court.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Moloto will appear in court again on 22 September after the matter was postponed for further investigation.

He has built a public profile in Limpopo through LADGAC, an organisation that aims to combat drug abuse, gangsterism and crime by providing rehabilitation and support programmes for those who have gone down these paths and seek to get out of them as well as closure with those who were harmed or affected by their crimes.

Moloto’s prominent role in anti-crime initiatives in the province has drawn attention to the matter across South.Africa.

Anti-crime activist out on bail

He rose to prominence through widely shared videos showing his interventions to remove drug users from the streets and place them in rehabilitation.

Moloto’s work earned him national recognition and a brief appearance as himself in the popular award-winning South African drama Skeem Saam. And his “tough-love” approach has left social-media users polarised with some praising his interventions and others now questioning their integrity.