22/04/2026
Media Statement
Wednesday, 22 April 2026
Chairperson on Transport and Community Safety calls for calm and restraint in Ga-Maja.
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Transport and Community Safety in the Limpopo Legislature, Hon Kedibone Lebea, has called for calm and restraint, as the community of Ga-Maja, Mmotong wa Bogobe - outside Polokwane, grapples with a suspected food poisoning incident.
According to reports, some community members who attended a funeral on Saturday, 18th April 2026, started complaining of stomach cramps after attending a funeral in the community.
Three people are confirmed to have died, including a child who reportedly ate the food from the funeral.
As a consequence of this, there are suggested moves by some community members to approach a sangoma to help them identify a culprit in this fatality.
This happens as various Government agencies are toiling around the clock, to identify the root cause of this incident and implement corrective actions.
‘’While we are not disregarding our people’s customary beliefs, our view as the Portfolio Committee is to allow Government agencies space, to conduct in-depth investigations into the matter”, said Hon Lebea.
She has also encouraged members of the community to appreciate the urgent response by the Premier, Dr. Phophi Ramathuba into the matter.
'This’, she said, ‘is a clear indication that Government is intentional in its resolve to provide instant solutions to this debacle’.
Hon Lebea has urged community leaders and structures to demonstrate leadership during this difficult moment to allow the government to conclude its investigations into the matter.
End.
Issued by the Portfolio Committee on Transport and Community Safety.
Limpopo Legislature.
Enquiries:
Hon Kedibone Lebea – MPL.
Chairperson: Portfolio Committee on Transport and Community Safety.
