Matla Youth Tourism Organization leadership By: Neo Ntsele Zastron, a town rich in history and culture, recently marked a significant milestone in preserving its heritage. The Matla Tourism Youth Organization, led by Molahlehi Lechoo, partnered with the Free State Department of Sports & Culture to celebrate International Museum Day by launching the town’s first digital museum. This event not only honoured the legacy of Lucas Majozi but also introduced a new way for residents

By: Neo Ntsele The residents of Chase Street in Zastron have been facing a growing problem that has gone unaddressed for months. Sewage water levels have risen drastically, causing serious inconvenience and health risks. Despite repeated notifications to the Mohokare Local Municipality, no action has been taken to resolve the issue. This ongoing sewage crisis is now affecting daily life, especially for learners and homeowners in the area. For several months, sewage water has

Recovered Cash By: Neo Ntsele The SAPS Provincial Commissioner of the Free State, Lieutenant General Solomon Lesia, has applauded a multidisciplinary team led by Crime Intelligence for the successful arrest of two wanted cash-in-transit (CIT) robbery suspects and the recovery of stolen money following a cross pavement robbery in Welkom. The incident occurred at Cash and Carry in Welkom when security officers were collecting money from the store on Saturday, 23 May 2026, at a

Free State Acting Premier Jabu Mbalula engaging Phomolong Residents By: Staff Reporter The Free State Provincial Government, led by Acting Premier Jabu Mbalula, has effectively resolved the shutdown in Phomolong, Henneman. The protest concerning the Middelpunt Solar PV Project has ended, allowing full access to essential services, including education for Grade 12 students. On Tuesday, 19 May 2026, Acting Premier Mbalula held a stakeholder meeting in Henneman with Middelpunt P

By: Neo Ntsele On Wednesday, 20 May 2026, off-duty members from the Mangaung Metro District Operational Command Centre (DOCC) East Task Team acted promptly on a tip-off. The information indicated that an adult male was allegedly selling drugs at the Thaba Nchu taxi rank. The team quickly mobilised and headed to the bustling transit location. Upon arrival, they identified a male who matched the provided description. With tactical precision, the officers approached and apprehen

Dr Nasaret Ruswa Opinion article by Dr Nasaret Ruswa, Lecturer: Department of Curriculum Studies and Higher Education, Faculty of Education, University of the Free State Teachers in South Africa are leaving the profession at an alarming rate, raising urgent questions about their working conditions. How can teaching be regarded as the “mother of all professions” when the system fails to adequately prepare and support those entering it? Across South African classrooms,

MEC Dr Mamiki Maboya By: Staff Reporter Dr Mamiki Maboya, the MEC for the Free State Education Department, condemns the disruptions in Henneman schools and calls for the safeguarding of educational time. She expressed deep concern over the interruption and closure of six schools in Henneman due to ongoing service delivery protests that are unrelated to education. For weeks, education has been halted at four primary and two high schools, depriving over 6,000 students of their

Crime Scene Logo By: Neo Ntsele Ente Thibello Sekhoto (51) and his company, Batlokoa Circle 12 Plaster Services (Pty) Ltd, were sentenced on 13 May 2026 by the Heilbron Magistrates' Court for fraud and money laundering related to the Covid-19 Temporary Employee Relief Scheme (TERS). In 2020, Sekhoto fraudulently applied for Temporary Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) benefits for individuals who were not actually employed by the company. Due to this fraudulent application, the Un

By: Neo Ntsele On 11 May 2026, members of the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation in Bethlehem executed a search and seizure operation at the residence of a police official in Villiers as part of an ongoing investigation into suspected stolen property. During the operation, two motorcycles suspected to be stolen were recovered. A 45-year-old police Sergeant was subsequently arrested on charges of possession of suspected stolen property, fraud, and defeating the ends of j

Prof Felicity Burt Opinion article by Prof Felicity Burt, Principal Medical Scientist in the Pathogen Research Laboratory within the Division of Virology, National Health Laboratory Service and the University of the Free State A cruise ship is currently docked off Cabo Verde awaiting investigations regarding an outbreak of hantavirus affecting the passengers. While we wait for the outcome of further testing and confirmation of the strain of hantavirus causing the outbreak,

By: Neo Ntsele The accused, Sibusiso Mbuli, aged 27, was sentenced before Botshabelo Regional Court on 08 May 2026 to two life terms imprisonment for two counts of rape, 15 years' for robbery with aggravating circumstances and a further three years for robbery. Selosesha SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) were tasked to investigate two cases of robbery and rape that had the same modus operandi. The accused, Sibusiso Mbuli, lured female victi

By: Staff Reporter The Free State Provincial Serial Electronic Crime Investigation (SECI) Unit has made significant strides in dismantling a dangerous syndicate responsible for a wave of terror across the Lejweleputswa District. ​For over a decade, the syndicate targeted residents in Virginia, Welkom, and Odendaalsrus, committing a series of violent offenses including house robberies, housebreaking, attempted murder, and rape. ​The breakthrough in these cold cases is attribut

Crime Scene Logo By: Neo Ntsele On 4 May 2026, the Bethlehem Magistrates Court sentenced Ernest Ratladiela Semela, aged 26, to a seven-year prison term for drug dealing. In April 2024, Bethlehem detectives acted on a tip about an unlicensed firearm at a shack in Captain Charles, Bohlokong. During their search of the premises, they found several sachets of crystal meth, mandrax tablets, nyaope plastic wraps, dagga, and more than R56,000 in cash. The accused was immediately arr

By: Staff Reporter On Tuesday, 15 November 2022, the Bloemfontein Flying Squad apprehended Braam Bothma (18) while he was travelling between scrapyards in Oranjesig to sell copper cable, which was suspected to be stolen, weighing 3.58 kilograms. Unfortunately, the copper cables were burned and could not be identified. Between Wednesday, 16 April 2025, and Friday, 18 April 2025, there were incidents involving tampering with, damaging, or destroying essential infrastructure [Se

Dr Remeredzavi Gudyanga Opinion article by Dr Remeredzayi Gudyanga, Lecturer in Curriculum Studies and Higher Education, Faculty of Education, University of the Free State There is growing frustration in South African classrooms and elsewhere. Many learners no longer sustain reading the way previous generations did. Ask them to work through a long passage, and many lose focus within minutes. Yet the same learners can spend hours on TikTok, scroll endlessly on Instagr

Jabu Mbalula, Judge President Cagney John Musi By: Staff Reporter The Premier of the Free State, MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, has designated Jabu Mbalula, the MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport, as Acting Premier of the Free State Province while she is abroad on official duties. This appointment is effective from May 4 to May 11, 2026, ensuring continuous governance during the Premier’s absence. The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Free State Division of the High

Mbuyiselo Faith Mpungose By: Staff Reporter The Virginia police are requesting help from the public to locate Mbuyiselo Faith Mpungose (29), who has disappeared. It is reported that the individual was last seen on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, around 09:00. He was reportedly last observed when he and six others were taken to the local clinic for medical care. Later that day, he was missing. A search to find him was promptly initiated. All attempts to find him have been unsuccess

Crime Scene Logo By: Ntsele Neo On April 23, 2026, the Free State High Court in Bloemfontein issued a forfeiture order to the Hawks' Priority Crime Specialised Investigation (PCSI) and the National Prosecuting Authority's Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) for a Ford Ranger bakkie valued at approximately R350,000. This vehicle was connected to a case of Eskom copper cable theft in the Steynsrus area. On May 9, 2025, a farmer in Steynsrus was informed about a planned theft of an Esko

By: Neo Ntsele In an effort to eliminate illegal substances and gang-related activities in our communities, the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit in Bloemfontein executed a successful tactical operation in the Xhariep District on Sunday, April 26, 2026. This 12-hour operation, running from 03:00 to 15:00, focused on specific drug dens in the towns of Zastron and Wepener. The team began their operation in Zastron, where they raided several locations. During the search of a targeted re

Crime Scene Logo By: Neo Ntsele On 24 April 2026, the Free State High Court in Welkom sentenced 55-year-old Mozambican national, Frimino David Matola, following his conviction on 23 April 2026 for multiple offences. These offences include the murder of a police officer, two counts of attempted murder, illegal possession of an automatic firearm and ammunition, and breaches of immigration laws. The charges relate to the fatal shooting of Sergeant Disema Steven Mapane on 6 De