Limpopo Premier Ramathuba Slams Foreign Nationals and Corrupt Police at Polokwane Event
- Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba addressed a crowd at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on 23 September 2026 during a law enforcement vehicle handover
- Ramathuba called out Zimbabwean businessman Lawrence Mudzinganyama, who was arrested after a viral video showed him threatening women who rejected his advances
- The premier accused South African officials and police of enabling foreign nationals to disrespect the country's laws
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Source: Getty Images
LIMPOPO — Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba used a government event in Polokwane on 23 September 2026 to publicly condemn drink-driving, foreign nationals who disregard South African law, and police officers accused of accepting bribes to release undocumented migrants.
Speaking from atop a vehicle at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, where 78 law enforcement vehicles were handed over to traffic officers, Ramathuba called on South Africans to stop drinking before getting behind the wheel.
"When you are drunk, your brain is affected. You stop reasoning. You stop thinking," she said.
Ramathuba targets Mudzinganyama case
The premier specifically referenced the arrest of Zimbabwean businessman Lawrence Mudzinganyama, whose case drew national attention after a viral video showed him threatening women who had turned down his advances. He was arrested and released following the incident. Ramathuba linked his behaviour to alcohol's effect on judgement and made clear she expected the justice system to see the matter through.
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"I'm happy that we are dealing with him," she said.
She added that the case must be followed "until we see that that person also" faces consequences.
Ramathuba further argued that South Africa had become a destination for people unwilling to abide by the law, accusing both foreign nationals and local government officials of contributing to the problem. She alleged that South African officials had empowered undocumented foreigners to act with impunity, pointing out that those same individuals would never behave in such a manner in their own countries.
Police bribery accusations
The premier also turned her criticism toward the police, accusing officers of accepting bribes in exchange for releasing undocumented foreign nationals who had been arrested. She said South African authorities had done their part to raise the issue but called for stronger accountability.
Watch Ramathuba's address at the Polokwane event:
South Africans react
The speech drew a range of reactions online.
@Thembaleth28799 wrote:
"I love her. She always speaks truth to power."
@nyaude_justice raised a different question:
"This one is wild. Why doesn't she ask ANC how this dude has permanent residence and also has tenders from them?"
@slique10111 compared her to a political figure, writing:
"Phophi can be the Donald Trump we've been looking for as a country🤞🏾."
@Malesela_less57 added:
"It's the same ANC government that is giving them tenders mos."
@Askmeiknw simply stated:
"This is the Phophi I know."
Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma praises Phophi Ramathuba
In a related article, Briefly News reported on Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma’s praise for Ramathuba and her appeal for dialogue after the March and March demonstration in Polokwane. The movement leader said Ramathuba’s commitment to putting South Africans first helped inspire her activism.
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Source: Briefly News
