Prominent Limpopo Businessman Gunned Down for Refusing to Pay Protection Fee

The brutal daylight murder of Limpopo businessman Ramapulane Seletisha (49) has brought to light the terrifying reach of an extortion syndicate in the Sekhukhune region. Seletisha, known for holding several government contracts and owning a funeral parlor, was ambushed and shot dead in June while driving along the Elandsdoorn road.

For months, Seletisha had been harassed and threatened by a syndicate demanding protection fees, according to his brother, Thulane Nkosi. “He knew his days were numbered,” Nkosi shared in an interview with City Press. Seletisha had told his family that he was expecting to be killed, having accepted his fate after repeatedly refusing to give in to the criminals’ demands

The threats against Seletisha began in October of the previous year, but by May, the situation escalated. The syndicate demanded that Seletisha surrender his government contracts, particularly one involving the supply of water to Philadelphia Hospital in Dennilton, or face death. Despite increasing pressure, Seletisha refused to comply.

His business portfolio was vast, spanning several industries, including construction, furniture, consulting, and hospital equipment supply. A search of his directorships showed his involvement in at least four companies and connections to twelve more. Among his businesses was Skhova Security Services, which held contracts with various private entities in the region. Another company, Leko and DD Holding, was sub-contracted to supply water to the hospital where one of the accused, Elvis Mahlangu, was employed.

Initially, Seletisha tried to mitigate the situation by making payments to the extortionists, but these payments were never enough. Eventually, they demanded he relinquish his entire stake in the water supply contract. This demand was a step too far for Seletisha, leading him to take drastic precautions. He altered his daily routine, changed vehicles frequently, and avoided staying in one place for consecutive nights. Even when his daughter suggested hiring bodyguards, Seletisha declined, choosing instead to face the threats directly.

The final ultimatum came on May 26. A week later, on a Monday morning in early June, Seletisha was gunned down in a hail of bullets around 10:30 am. The audacity of the attack in broad daylight underscored the extent of the syndicate’s influence and the climate of fear it instilled in its victims. A local councillor, who requested anonymity, confirmed that the syndicate had a long-standing practice of demanding a cut from government contracts and operated under the command of someone referred to as “The President” in Pretoria.

Authorities have arrested two suspects in connection with Seletisha’s murder. Tshepo Mahlangu turned himself in to police on September 3rd, while his co-accused, Elvis Mahlangu, was arrested at his workplace, Philadelphia Hospital, on September 27th. Both men appeared in court for a bail application, with the case postponed for further investigation.

The murder has highlighted the growing problem of extortion in Limpopo, particularly in relation to government contracts. Kholofelo Rakubu, an associate professor at the Tshwane University of Technology, emphasized the complexity of extortion and its ties to other criminal activities. “Extortion often starts as robbery, but when criminals realize they can get more, it escalates into regular demands for money or other benefits,” Rakubu explained. She also pointed out the challenges in prevention, citing under-reporting due to fear and intimidation.

Rakubu stressed the need for improved intelligence gathering to combat the rise of extortion syndicates. “We are where we are today because of a lack of intelligence,” she concluded.

Local police have vowed to continue their fight against extortion syndicates, a battle that has already led to several violent confrontations. As investigations continue, Seletisha’s death serves as a grim reminder of the dangerous reality faced by business owners who refuse to bow to criminal demands.