CONVICTED | Limpopo prominent businessman, Howard Alex Mashaba (45), has been convicted and sentenced for intimidation and contravening a protection order. The incident dates back to 04 July 2024, when the accused went to the complainant’s residence, a property leased to her by the Department of Public Works. Upon arrival, Mashaba instructed her to vacate the premises, claiming that he had purchased the house. The complainant refused and explained that she was the lawful tenant of the property. She further complained that the accused and his accomplices threatened her by cutting the electricity supply to her house and painting the walls with red paint. On 05 July 2024, the complainant approached the Giyani Magistrate’s Court and applied for a protection order against the accused. The order was subsequently served on Mashaba, who was given a date to appear in court. On 02 August 2024, the accused arrived at the complainant’s workplace accompanied by an entourage. He threatened and insulted her in the presence of her colleagues, including making derogatory remarks about her personal life. The complainant reported the conduct to the Giyani Magistrate’s Court, where a warrant of arrest was issued against the accused. The matter was subsequently referred to the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit in Polokwane for further investigation. Mashaba was arrested on 21 August 2024 and subsequently appeared before the Giyani Magistrate’s Court on several occasions. On 08 June 2026, he was found guilty on both counts, namely intimidation and contravening a protection order. The matter was postponed to 22 September 2026 for sentencing. On Tuesday, 22 September 2026, the Giyani Magistrate’s Court sentenced Mashaba as follows: Count 1: Intimidation: A fine of R10 000 or six months’ imprisonment, with an additional 12 months’ imprisonment wholly suspended for five years on certain conditions. Count 2: Contravention of a protection order: A fine of R15 000 or nine months’ imprisonment, with an additional 12 months’ imprisonment wholly suspended for five years on certain conditions.