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

Prof Serges Kamga By: Neo Ntsele Prof Serges Kamga, Dean of the University of the Free State’s (UFS) Faculty of Law, has been appointed to the United Nations Expert Mechanism on the Right to Development by the United Nations Human Rights Council. This appointment underscores his personal commitment to justice and the UFS’s expanding international presence. The Expert Mechanism acts as an advisory body that promotes the right to development globally. It strives to ensure tha

Crime Scene Logo By: Neo Ntsele On 20 April 2026, the Vrede Regional Court sentenced a Zimbabwean named Felix Magatu, aged 44, to seven years in prison for tampering with or damaging essential infrastructure and another seven years for stealing crude oil. He was also deemed unfit to own a firearm. Magatu's accomplice, Shepard Vareni, is currently serving a prison sentence after being sentenced by the same court in November 2025. On 25 September 2023, security personnel were

MEC Ketso Makume By: Staff Reporter On Sunday, 19 April 2026, the MEC for Finance, Economic Development, and Tourism, Ketso Makume, was involved in a car accident. The accident happened on the N5 between Paul Roux and Senekal. The incident occurred when a wild animal suddenly crossed the road, and the driver was unable to avoid hitting it. The MEC and his two protectors emerged without any serious injuries. The family has asked for the MEC, his protectors, and their families

Zastron Community League Logo By: Neo Ntsele The Zastron Community Soccer League has emerged as a beacon of hope in the local community, designed specifically to provide a constructive outlet for youth aged 15 to 17. Recognising the alarming rise in drug use and crime among young people, community leaders have come together to establish this soccer league, with the primary goal of steering the youth away from harmful influences and towards a more positive and healthier lifest

Nokulunga Ludidi By: Neo Ntsele Demonstrating incredible human resilience, two University of the Free State (UFS) graduates have overcome significant health challenges to achieve academic excellence, illustrating that determination, faith, and support can guide one through the darkest periods. On Friday, 17 April 2026, Nokulunga Ludidi and Dr Tobias Ndlovu proudly stood among their peers at the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences’ April graduation ceremony, their a

Chris Hani By: Staff Reporter Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae emphasized that the tragic events of April 10, 1993, serve as a poignant reminder of the cost of the freedom we cherish today. During this month, as we commemorate Freedom Day, achieved on April 27, 1994, with the first democratic elections in our nation, it's equally crucial to reflect on the sacrifices made to reach our current state. April is also the month when our martyrs, Solomon Mahlangu and Chris Hani, were

Stolen Lion Cubs By: Neo Ntsele Elias Moloi (36) and Mokete Elizabeth Dikoko (51), a police administration clerk at Bothaville SAPS, appeared in the Bothaville Magistrates Court on 7 April 2026 for allegedly violating the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004. They were arrested along with a 14-year-old minor on Thursday, 2 April 2026, in Bothaville while attempting to sell four lion cubs at a price of R100,000 each. Members of the Hawks in Welkom resp

Mxolisi Dukwana By: Staff Reporter Mxolisi Dukwana, the speaker of the Free State Legislature, has shared a warm Easter message with the Free State community. "As we come together with family and loved ones to celebrate Easter, I send heartfelt greetings to everyone in the Free State. This Easter season carries a profound message of hope, renewal, sacrifice, and resurrection. It reminds us that after the darkest times, light and new beginnings can emerge. In the spirit of Eas

Major General Thabang Solomon Lesia By: Staff Reporter Major General Thabang Solomon Lesia has been named the new Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS). With over thirty years of experience in policing, he possesses a profound understanding of operational environments. The Premier of the Free State, MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, expressed her approval of Major General Lesia's appointment, highlighting its significance at a crucial time when combating cr

Ibrahim Mahama By: Neo Ntsele The International Institute of the Arts (IIA) at the University of the Free State (UFS) will welcome two distinguished Artists-in-Residence in 2026. Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama will join in March, and Dr Ashraf Jamal, a respected scholar and cultural commentator, will join in April. Prof. Alexander Johnson, Director of IIA, expressed enthusiasm for their arrival, highlighting the support of the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust in fostering dialog

Minister of GOGTA VF Hlabisa, President Cyril Ramaphosa, Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae By: Staff Reporter On 27 March 2026, President Cryil Ramaphosa and his cabinet met with Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae and Members of the Executive Council at the University of the Free State's (UFS) Centenary Complex (UFS). The meeting aimed to explore how national and provincial governments can collaborate more effectively to promote inclusive growth and job creation, reduce p

Prof Sam Tshehla By: Neo Ntsele The University of the Free State (UFS) has announced the appointment of Prof Sam Tshehla as Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Strategic Initiatives, International and Institutional Affairs, starting 1 April 2026. Prof. Tshehla is an academic leader, applied mathematician, and higher education strategist with over twenty years of experience in university leadership, research, and institutional development. He is currently a Professor of Mathematics and