Prof Hendrik Swart (left), Eric Maluta, current President of the SAIP (Right). By: Neo Ntsele Prof Hendrik Swart from the University of the Free State (UFS) has received the 2026 South African Institute of Physics (SAIP) De Beers Gold Medal, the institute's highest accolade, for his remarkable career of over forty years in promoting physics through research, leadership, mentorship, and capacity building in South Africa. The award was announced during the 70th Annual Confere

Crime Scene Logo By: Neo Ntsele The quick action by Bloemspruit police resulted in the prompt arrest of a 38-year-old suspect related to the alleged murder of his wife in Grasslands Three, Bloemfontein. The incident took place on the evening of Wednesday, 15 July 2026. Around 19:10, Bloemspruit police responded to a report of a suspected murder at a local residence. When they arrived, officers encountered a tenant living on the property. It is reported that the tenant came ho

Dr Ambrosé Ray du Plessis Opinion article by Dr Ambrosé Ray du Plessis, Senior Lecturer, Department Political Studies and Governance, University of the Free State The local government elections are set to take place on 4 November 2026. These elections are expected to produce a significant number of hung councils. In other words, few political parties are likely to achieve 50 plus 1 percent to govern outright. In this context, poor voter turnout may once again become the de

By: Neo Ntsele Authorities in Zastron are probing a murder case. This follows an event that took place near Early Birds Tavern in Itumeleng Location, Matlakeng in Zastron around 13:30 on Sunday, 12 July 2026. A 20-year-old suspect from Phomolong Location, also in Matlakeng Zastron, has been apprehended and will soon appear in the Zastron Magistrate’s court. On Sunday, 12 July 2026, while on duty, members of the Visible Policing Unit received a report from the Zastron SAPS Com

By: Neo Ntsele The SAPS in the Free State has confirmed that a Culpable Homicide case has been initiated and is under investigation after a person was struck by a vehicle on Sunday, 5 July 2026, around 05:38 on Tau Street, Blomanda, Bloemfontein. No arrests have been made so far, as the investigation is still ongoing. Once all witness statements and pending reports, such as the post-mortem report, are received and reviewed, the case file will be forwarded to the Senior State

Zastron Local Tuck Shop Owners By: Neo Ntsele The spaza shop owners in Zastron have firmly opposed foreign nationals running tuck shops in their area. Following a recent meeting, they called for the closure of all foreign-owned spaza shops, citing concerns over illegal immigration and non-compliance. This decision comes after ongoing discussions about undocumented foreign nationals operating businesses without proper authorization, leading to tension in the local community. Z

Phumela Mnyameni (Mnyameni Poultry Farm Pty Ltd) By: Neo Ntsele Unemployment continues to be a significant issue in many small towns throughout South Africa, including Zastron. However, amidst these challenges, there are uplifting stories of young individuals who choose to create opportunities rather than wait for them. One such story is that of Phumela Mnyameni, a young woman from the dusty streets of Zastron, making notable progress as a poultry farmer. Mnyameni Poultry Far

Lusanda Madikane Opinion article by Lusanda Madikane, Directorate for International Partnerships and Relations, University of the Free State The emergence of social media has created a digital community in which new identities, narratives, and perspectives are constantly produced and shared. This transformation has connected people across the world, but it raises an important question: Are we shifting from traditional communities to digital communities? Social media has b

Free State Province Operation Shanela II By: Neo Ntsele Various units of the South African Police Service, along with officials from the Department of Home Affairs, Department of Labour, Department of Economic, Small Business Development Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Department of Community Safety, Roads and Transport, South African Revenue Services, and Mangaung Metro Municipality Law Enforcement, conducted policing actions. These included high visibility patrols (1,015

Lefu Andrew Mofokeng By: Staff Reporter The Hawks' Serious Corruption Investigation detectives in Bethlehem are appealing to members of the public in Vrede and the surrounding areas to assist with information regarding the whereabouts of Lefu Andrew Mofokeng (44), who is being sought as a person of interest in an ongoing investigation into a case of possession of suspected stolen property. Anyone with information that may assist in locating Mofokeng is urged to contact Detect

Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia By: Neo Ntsele The Free State SAPS Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia, praised the unwavering commitment of the multidisciplinary teams who tirelessly worked to uphold law and order during the planned national shutdown on 30 June 2026 and beyond. While Bloemfontein witnessed a day of peaceful marches, other districts in the Free State province unfortunately faced incidents of public violence, looting, and property damage

Zastron Spaza Shop owners' engagement By: Neo Ntsele The small town of Zastron recently experienced a notable gathering of local tuck shop owners aiming to reclaim control of their economy. At Matlakeng Stadium, the Zastron Spaza Shop Forum convened to voice their concerns about the increasing number of foreign nationals owning spaza shops in the area. Their message was straightforward: businesses intended for South Africans should be run by South Africans. This meeting follo

Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae By: Neo Ntsele On 30 June 2026, the Free State Provincial Government, led by Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, officially received a memorandum of demands from the organisers of the national march against illegal immigration. She praised the marchers for their discipline and peaceful behaviour. “You have demonstrated to the nation that we can advocate for change without resorting to violence,” Premier Letsoha-Mathae stated. The Premier

Crime Scene Logo By: Neo Ntsele Five suspects, aged between 19 and 35, appeared in Zastron Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, facing a murder charge. They joined another suspect, aged 29, who was charged with attempted murder. This is related to a group fight incident in Zastron. On Sunday, 21/06, at 09:23, police responded to a report of people fighting in public. Upon their arrival, Emergency Medical Service personnel at the scene indicated a man in an ambulance

By: Neo Ntsele On Thursday, 25 June 2026, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and various emergency response stakeholders took part in a comprehensive simulation exercise at Bram Fischer International Airport. This exercise is part of ongoing efforts to ensure operational readiness and to identify and address any shortcomings in emergency response plans. Regular simulation exercises are crucial for preparing all relevant stakeholders to respond effectively and efficiently

Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae By: Staff Reporter The Free State Provincial Government wishes to inform the people of the Free State about the upcoming nationwide march on 30th June 2026. Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae has stated that the Provincial Government approaches this time with determination and clarity, saying, "We are committed to intensifying our efforts, especially in creating safer, more united communities." In line with this commitment, the Provincial

By: Neo Ntsele The University of the Free State (UFS) has made notable progress in the Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Rankings 2026, achieving its highest global performance in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10: Reduced Inequalities. The University is positioned in the 101–200 band, placing it among the leading institutions worldwide. This ranking places UFS among a distinguished group of universities globally recognized for translating the promise of

Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae and Russian delegates By: Neo Ntsele On Tuesday, June 23, 2026, Premier Maquuen Letsoha-Mathae, along with Members of the Executive responsible for Education, Health, Economic Development and Tourism, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, and Acting Director-General Dr. Motsamai Motsoari, met with a Russian delegation led by the Ambassador to South Africa, His Excellency Roman Ambarov. This marks only the second visit of HE Ambarov to

Dr Paul K. Michael Opinion article by Dr Paul K. Michael, Higher Education and Human Development Research Group, University of the Free State In June 2024, I was part of a workshop on epistemic reparations and the right to be known in post-apartheid South Africa held both in the city of Johannesburg and at Uncle Tom’s Community Centre, Soweto. It was a gathering of academics from North America, Europe and Africa. Also present were former freedom fighters – including A

Intercepted Truck By: Staff Reporter The dedication and swift action of off-duty members from the Fezile Dabi District Infrastructure Task Team resulted in the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of copper cable suspected to be stolen, valued at over R1.8 million. On Wednesday, 17 June 2026, around 19:00, team members on their rest days received a tip-off about a truck carrying copper cable from Welkom. The tip-off further suggested that the truck was supposed to pick up