By Staff Reporter
GA-DIKGALE — Police in Limpopo have opened a murder case and arrested a 37-year-old taxi driver following the death of a local soccer academy owner during a tournament in Ga-Dikgale, outside Polokwane, on Christmas Day.
The deceased has been identified as Kwena Mabotja (29), the owner of Survivors Academy FC.
According to reports, the incident occurred during the Mamathipa Soccer Challenge, where Mabotja was assisting Mankga Junior Chiefs FC, who were playing against Juventus FC—a team owned and coached by the suspect, who is also a taxi operator.
Police allege that an argument broke out after Mabotja placed a bag, purportedly containing muthi, at one of the goalposts. Tensions escalated when the suspect allegedly drove his minibus taxi into the goalposts in an attempt to remove the bag.
A preliminary police report states that Mabotja approached the taxi driver and pleaded with him to return the bag. The driver allegedly refused and attempted to leave the scene. Mabotja then reportedly stood in front of the vehicle to block it.
During the confrontation, he fell to the ground and was allegedly knocked down and dragged by the vehicle until it stopped along the R81 road.
Mabotja sustained serious injuries and was initially taken to a local clinic before being transferred to Mankweng Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Mankweng Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 29 December 2025, facing a charge of murder.
Police investigations are ongoing.
