A Limpopo businessman was found guilty of intimidation and contravening a protection order in the Giyani Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
Prominent businessman Howard Alex Mashaba, 45, was sentenced to a fine of R10,000 or six months’ imprisonment for intimidation, with an additional 12 months’ imprisonment wholly suspended for five years on certain conditions.
In addition, the court handed him a fine of R15, 000 or nine months’ imprisonment, with an additional 12 months’ imprisonment wholly suspended for five years on certain conditions for contravening the protection order.
Intimidating a woman
The SAPS Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit in Limpopo said the incident dates back to July 4 2024, when he went to the complainant’s residence, a property leased to her by the Department of Public Works. Police said that upon arrival, Mashaba instructed her to vacate the premises, claiming he had purchased the house.
“The complainant refused and explained that she was the lawful tenant of the property. She further complained that the accused and his accomplices threatened her by cutting the electricity supply to her house and painting the walls with red paint,” Police said.
According to police, the complainant approached the Giyani Magistrate’s Court and applied for a protection order on July 5. The order was subsequently served on Mashaba, who was given a date to appear in court.
No fear for protection order
Police said the accused arrived at the complainant’s workplace accompanied by an entourage on August 2, 2024. Mashaba threatened and insulted her in the presence of her colleagues, including making derogatory remarks about her personal life.
“The complainant reported the conduct to the Giyani Magistrate’s Court, where a warrant of arrest was issued against the accused. The matter was subsequently referred to the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit in Polokwane for further investigation,”Police said.
Detectives commended
Mashaba was arrested on August 21, 2024, and appeared before court on several occasions. Police said he was found guilty on both counts on June 8, 2026. The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers, commended the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit for securing the conviction and sentence.
Scheepers reiterated that the SAPS remains committed to ensuring that criminal cases are thoroughly investigated and that perpetrators are brought before the courts, irrespective of their social or economic standing.
