POLOKWANE – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has laid additional charges against Tsebe Phillimon Moloto (51), a businessman and anti-drug crusader who owns the Limpopo Anti-Drug, Gangsterism and Crime (LADGAC) Rehabilitation Centre.

He heard the charges during his appearance at the Polokwane magistrate’s court on Wednesday.

The additional charges include arson, five counts of attempted murder and trespassing. Mashudu Malabi, NPA spokesperson in Limpopo, said the charges were added following further investigations.

Moloto initially faced two counts of malicious property damage. The charges stem from an incident on 28 June when he allegedly set fire to a Toyota Hilux Extended Cab and a signage board belonging to his former girlfriend and business partner, using a flammable substance. No one was killed, as the fire was extinguished before causing extensive damage.

“The vehicle subsequently caught fire while several people were inside the house, resulting in the attempted murder charges. The vehicle was parked in a garage at the complainant’s parental home in Seshego Zone 3,” she said.

Moloto was granted bail set at R50 000 during his previous court appearance on 14 July. Malabi said the matter has been postponed to 30 October for the Director of Public Prosecutions to decide where the case will be tried.

Malabi said Moloto and the complainant were previously in a romantic relationship and business partnership involving the LADGAC Rehabilitation Centre in Seshego. “Following the breakdown of their personal and business relationship, the complainant established her own rehabilitation centre in Ladanna,” she said.

Moloto’s work earned him national recognition and he was featured as himself in the popular, award-winning South African drama Skeem Saam. His “tough-love” approach has left social media users polarised, with some praising his interventions and others now questioning the integrity of his methods.

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