Lepelle Northern Water Big Shots Appear In Court For Kidnapping, Extortion And Corruption

LUCAS LEDWABA

DURING a recent meeting to address Limpopo’s water woes, Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu warned the troubled Lepelle Northern Water that it had ‘smelly armpits’ and the department was now beginning to have the same odour as a result.

On Thursday morning the putrid odour of the Water Board permeated through the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Polokwane when a former high-ranking executive appeared in court to face criminal charges.

Phineas Kgahlisho Legodi, the board’s former chief executive officer, appeared in court to face charges of kidnapping, extortion and corruption.

Legodi along with controversial businessman Matome Sefalafala have been implicated in the kidnapping of the water board’s acting chief executive Ahuiwi Netshidaulu last November.

A police officer stationed at the Mamelodi police station in Tshwane, Sergeant Gideon Matlala has also been implicated in the kidnapping, according to the National Prosecuting Authority.

During the alleged kidnapping, Netshidaulu was