LADGAC founder Mr Moloto granted R50,000 bail after court appearance

Phillimon Tsebe Moloto, better known as Mr Moloto, was granted R50,000 bail by the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday after appearing on two counts of malicious damage to property.

Moloto, 51, is the founder of the Limpopo Anti-Drugs, Gangsterism and Crime (LADGAC) rehabilitation centre. He rose to prominence through videos shared on social media showing his interventions with people struggling with substance abuse, earning a large following across South Africa.

His arrest stems from two incidents that allegedly took place on 28 June.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Moloto and the complainant were previously in a romantic relationship and jointly operated the LADGAC rehabilitation centre. After their relationship ended, the complainant established her own rehabilitation facility.

The prosecution alleges that Moloto first set fire to a signboard advertising the complainant’s rehabilitation centre in Ladanna before travelling to Seshego Zone 3, where he allegedly poured a flammable substance over the complainant’s Toyota Hilux and set it alight while it was parked outside her parents’ home.

The fire spread from the vehicle to part of the house, where seven people were asleep at the time. Neighbours managed to extinguish the flames before anyone was injured. Authorities estimate the damage caused by the two incidents at approximately R800,000.

Limpopo police arrested Moloto at his home in Welgelegen on Monday following what they described as an intelligence-led investigation. Police said investigators linked him to both incidents and seized a vehicle believed to have been used during the alleged offences.

Moloto first appeared in the Seshego Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday before the matter was transferred to the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court, where the two cases were consolidated.

The court granted bail of R50,000, subject to several conditions. Moloto must report to the Polokwane police station every Monday and Friday, may not contact the complainant, Molebogeng Rachidi, or visit her home or workplace, and must inform the investigating officer if he intends to leave Limpopo. He is also prohibited from applying for a new passport while the case is before the court.

Outside court, supporters of both Moloto and the complainant gathered as proceedings unfolded. Some supporters of the complainant expressed disappointment with the bail ruling, arguing that the alleged offences had placed lives at risk, while Moloto’s supporters gathered in solidarity with the rehabilitation centre founder.