Crime Scene Logo By: Neo Ntsele On 20 March 2026, the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court sentenced three individuals, Khotso Mabolloane (51), Sibongile Nyembe (31), and Jabulane Joseph Mazibuko (40), for fraud and related offenses after a fraudulent transaction resulted in a loss of over R4 million for VKB Agriculture (Pty) Ltd. It was reported that on 16 February 2018, near VKB Agriculture (Pty) Ltd in Reitz, six individuals, Khotso Mabolloane, Tumane Isaac Mokoena, Sibongile

Dr Ernest Peresu Opinion article by Dr Ernest Peresu, Centre for Health Systems Research & Development (CHSR&D), University of the Free State World TB Day is commemorated on 24 March each year, marking Dr Robert Koch’s discovery of the bacterium that causes TB in 1882. It reminds us of how humanity has grappled with this disease, and of the global efforts towards its diagnosis, treatment, and ultimate cure. Under this year’s theme, “Yes, You and I Can End TB”, South Af

Mongezi Adoons (MOR) By: Neo Ntsele Mongezi Adoons, better known by his stage name MOR, comes from the dusty streets of Zastron and is a South African music hybrid creator, composer, and songwriter celebrated for his ability to weave rich storytelling with dynamic musical composition. With a keen sense for melody and emotional depth, MOR crafts music that transcends genres while retaining a unique African musical essence enhanced by modern technology in the music industry. Re

MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism Ketso ‘Toto’ Makume By: Neo Ntsele On Tuesday, 17 March, MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism Ketso ‘Toto’ Makume delivered the budget speech for the 2026/27 financial year at Bloemfontein City Hall. MEC Makume presented a budget focused on boosting economic recovery, enhancing revenue collection, and improving public service delivery. This year’s budget reflected a notable reduction of R332.6 million. MEC Makume

Crime Scene Logo By: Neo Ntsele On Monday, 16 March 2026, Advocate Siseko Leonard Cengcani (55) from Cengcani and Associates, Tshadi Annah Molelekoa-Taso (44), Nomalizwe Brenda Nkwane (45), and Nontsikelelo Grace Mkololo (41) were detained by the Hawks' Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team in Bloemfontein on charges of alleged fraud. The suspects appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court the same day. Allegations suggest that in 2020, complainants responded to

Relebohile Moletsane, Sheila Sisulu, Ingrid Winterbach, Prof Anmari van der Westhuizen Joubert, and Zukiswa Wanner By: Neo Ntsele During the April 2026 graduation ceremonies at the Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa Campuses, the University of the Free State (UFS) will award honorary doctorates to four esteemed individuals. The university will also present a Council Medal to honor exceptional contributions to music and the arts. The UFS grants honorary degrees to individuals whose acc

Crime Scene Logo By: Neo Ntsele Jacolene Hendricks (45) was sentenced by the Kroonstad Magistrates Court on 12 March 2026 after being found guilty of 75 counts of fraud. The conviction arose from an internal investigation into the financial dealings of the Hansie Muller Besigheidstrust in Viljoenskroon. This followed reports from some business clients who claimed the accused had instructed them to deposit payments for goods into a different bank account. A case docket was o

Delegates from SEDFA and Mohokare Municipality By: Neo Ntsele The Xhariep District Municipality, in collaboration with SEDFA, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the Small Business Development sector, successfully organised a significant workshop and awareness roadshow focused on the Spaza Shop Fund and the critical issue of foot-and-mouth disease. This informative event took place at the Zastron Town Hall on Wednesday, the 11th, drawing a substantial cro

Easter Soccer Tournament Poster By: Neo Ntsele The Zastron-based teams, France FC and JV Falcons, are organising an Easter Festival Championship soccer tournament featuring 16 teams from different regions. This event promises an exciting showcase of talent and sportsmanship, bringing together players and fans to celebrate soccer. The tournament kicks off on April 4, 2026, at the picturesque Zama Sporting Ground, renowned for its lively atmosphere and top-notch facilities. Th

FS EXCO By: Staff Reporter On Monday, 09 March 2026, the Free State Executive Council (EXCO) visited the Bloemfontein residence of the late former Premier Mosiuoa Lekota, who passed away on 04 March 2026. During the visit, Mxolisi Dukwana, Speaker of the Free State Legislature, described the late Premier, former Minister of Defence, and struggle stalwart Mosiuoa Lekota as a committed freedom fighter who dedicated his life to serving the people. “He was a soldier who tirelessl

Music Cover (Inkoduso) By: Neo Ntsele Abongile Magadla, 29, also known by his stage name (Abo De Voice), is preparing to release a much-anticipated single called Inkoduso in the coming weeks. The Amapiano artist, originally from Zastron, is now pursuing his music career in Pretoria. He completed his education in Zastron and relocated to Pretoria in 2019, seeking better opportunities. His love for music started in high school, where he sang Gwijo songs, and he became serious

Mosioua " Terror " Lekota By: Staff Reporter Congress of the People (COPE) leader and co-founder Mosiuoa "Terror" Lekota has died, aged 77. Lekota died at a Johannesburg hospital in the early hours of Wednesday morning. The party confirmed the news, adding that the family had requested privacy during this difficult time. Lekota served as Minister of Defence from 1999 to 2008. He also served as the Premier of the Free State after the country's first fully democratic elections

Sanitary towels By: Staff Reporter The University of the Free State (UFS) recently published research on endocrine-disrupting chemicals in sanitary pads and pantyliners, which has attracted significant media coverage. The research which was conducted by a multidisciplinary team at the UFS and published in the peer-reviewed journal Science of the Total Environment , comprised an in vitro laboratory detection study and did not involve testing on human subjects. It does not esta

Crime Scene Logo By: Neo Ntsele The Phuthaditjhaba Regional Court has convicted and sentenced Lekhotla Joseph Rafanyane (30), for the murder of a police officer. On 27 February (Fri), the court found Lekgotla Joseph Rafanyane guilty as charged. He was sentenced to 20 years direct imprisonment and declared unfit to possess a firearm. On 9 April 2023, members of Bethlehem Serious Organised Crime Investigation received information about the killing of a police official in Botjha

Oratilwe (Shakes) Senoamadi By: Neo Ntsele In the heart of Zastron, Matlakeng, 32-year-old sketching artist Oratilwe (Shakes) Senoamadi is redefining local success by transforming a natural talent into a sustainable livelihood. In an economic landscape where traditional employment is scarce, Senoamadi has leveraged his creative skill set to bypass the limitations of the local job market. Recognising that the traditional route of job seeking might delay his professional goals

PCA Chair, MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae By: Staff Reporter Chairperson of the Provincial Council on AIDS (PCA), and Free State Premier, MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, today (Thurs), convened the ordinary meeting of the Council on AIDS at OR Tambo House in Bloemfontein. The purpose of the meeting was to take inventory of the decisions of the previous meeting and to assess progress in the implementation of deliverables. Premier emphasized the importance of this Council in relation to the w

Crime Scene Logo By: Neo Ntsele Disbarred Advocate Lerata Shadrack Mashee (50) appeared before the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court on Monday 23, for alleged fraud, money laundering, and contravention of the Legal Practice Act 28 of 2014. The case against Lerata Shadrack Mashee was postponed to 2 March 2026 for bail application. The accused had been on the run since September 2025 until on 23 February 2026 when members of the Hawks, Tactical Response Team, and Crime Intelligenc

MEC Ketso Makume By: Staff Reporter The MEC for Finance, Tourism and Economic Development, Ketso Makume, officially declared the Lekgotla opened for the EXCO Provincial Budget Lekgotla held at Imvelo Safari Lodge on Tuesday 17. MEC Makume in his opening remarks urged delegates to tighten their belts and apply their expertise to advance the interests of the people of the Free State. These sentiments are made 3 days before the State of the Province Address (SOPA), which will b

Crime Scene Logo By: Neo Ntsele Vuyani Gibson Mpasie 27, a fake bursaries donor, masquerading as a Mangaung Metro official, appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court today (Mon) for formal bail hearing, for alleged corruption and extortion. The case against him was postponed to Monday, 16 February 2026 for a formal bail application after making his first appearance on Thursday last week. He is expected to reappear soon in court. On 5 February 2026, Serious Corruption Inv

Mohokare Arrive Alive festive season campaign By: Staff Reporter The Arrive Alive festive season safety campaign, led by Mohokare Municipality Mayor Teboho Mochechepa, successfully set a new standard for community-driven road safety. This event was a collaborative effort involving the Mohokare traffic division, Free State traffic officials, EMS, the Department of Home Affairs, Immigration, and SAPS. The campaign, under Mayor Mochechepa's leadership, achieved significant miles