Author: The Free Stater

Premier Sefora Ntombela has appealed for caution on the roads following a bus crash that killed eight and left dozens injured on the N8 near Botshabelo on Thursday morning. The bus, which was ferrying 62 passengers, was on its way to Bloemfontein when it collided with a truck. Seven people were declared dead on the scene of the accident, while one later succumbed to injuries at Pelonomi Hospital. According to the provincial government, 32 passengers sustained minor injuries, 19 were moderately injured while two are in a critical condition. All the injured are currently receiving care at Botshabelo Hospital, Moroka…

The Sasolburg Magistrates Court has sentenced a 29-year-old man to an effective 17 years’ imprisonment after he was convicted of housebreaking with intent to rob and robbery with aggravating circumstances. Themba Khumalo was convicted for breaking into the house of an elderly couple and making off with R70 000 cash and a cellphone. According to the state, the victims, Johannes Loots, 74, and his wife, Catharina, 75, were attacked by Khumalo with a braai fork when they entered their house at around 1800 hours on September 22, 2021. “Loots was busy opening a burglar gate when he was attacked by…

Police are investigating a case of murder after a Grade 12 learner at Kagisano Combined School in Soutpan, about 50km northeast of Bloemfontein, allegedly stabbed and killed a physical science teacher on Thursday night. The 35-year-old teacher, Matefo Mphosela, was allegedly attacked by the learner, aged 21, while at her house. The motive for the killing is not yet known. The learner, who is currently in police custody, allegedly attacked the teacher at her house around 9pm. Education MEC Tate Makgoe says he is devastated by the incident. He is quoted in a statement released by his office as saying…

The Botshabelo Regional Court this week slapped a 40-year-old man who was already serving two life terms with another life imprisonment after he was convicted of raping a four-year-old boy three years ago. Magistrate Motshidisi Khuduga sentenced Lazarus Ntipa Nkoto for the brutal incident that happened on February 17, 2019. National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson Phaladi Shuping said on the day of the incident, Nkoto was sitting outside a local tavern when he saw the victim who was staying opposite the tavern getting out of the yard. “He approached the complainant and forced him into a toilet and raped him,”…

Part of an owner’s responsibility to the body corporate is paying levies for the maintenance of the complex in full and on time. The money is expected to cover major work in the form of waterproofing and painting. The reason for owning a property varies from owner to owner. There are those owners who own property to stay in themselves – these normally want to see the complex managed and maintained in tip-top condition with no money being spared on the best maintenance possible. Other owners are letting out their units and want the highest return on their investment –…

By now I think everyone knows that I am not impressed with the Sectional Titles Schemes Management Act (STSMA). To me, it is a badly written Act of good intentions but impractical, ineffective and inefficient. For an Act that is supposed to be used and worked with by trustees that may not be well “uneducated” in issues to do with property, I think it is far too involved, prescriptive and full of red tape. However, the Act does provide some protection to owners against trustees and developers who want to do harm. A very interesting case was reported recently where…

The eighth suspect in the alleged embezzlement of funds earmarked for the construction of the Winnie Mandela Museum in Brandfort has appeared has appeared before the Welkom Magistrates Court facing charges of fraud and theft. Jan Harm Du Plessis, 41, made an initial appearance on Monday before the case was postponed to Thursday for a formal bail application. The Hawks provincial spokesperson Captain Christopher Singo said in a statement Du Plessis was arrested last Friday at OR Tambo International Airport by the border police. “This comes after a warrant of arrest was issued against him by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption…

The University of the Free State (UFS) has cemented its place as a leading institution on the continent and in the world, according to the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2023. The UFS emerged in the 801-1 000 range of this prestigious ranking, which includes 1 799 institutions from across 104 countries – the largest and most diverse university rankings to date. This is the institution’s first entry in the THE top university rankings, joining some of the world’s best universities. The rankings assess institutions across the globe based on performance indicators such as teaching, research, knowledge transfer…

The Central University of Technology (CUT)’s cheerleading team secured a gold medal at the South African Majorettes and Cheerleading Association (SAMCA) National Competitions held in Polokwane last Saturday. The team, which was also representing the Free State Majorette and Cheerleading Association (FSMCA), came out tops against three other sides. The CUT cheerleaders qualified for the national championships after winning the provincial contest held Hoërskool Fichardtpark in September. “When I arrived at CUT, I realised that there wasn’t a cheerleading team and that’s where I saw an opportunity to start a team using my experience, passion and love for cheerleading,” said…

Eskom says failure by 16 Free State municipalities, including Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality to pay for bulk electricity supplies is making it difficult for the national power utility to ensure service delivery and keep its equipment in good working order. The municipalities jointly owe Eskom over R17 billion for power supplies as at the end of August 2022. This was after an increase of R2.6 billion since August 2021. “It is extremely difficult for Eskom to continue absorbing the shortfall and continue infrastructure expenditure to supply these non-paying municipalities,” said Eskom’s general manager for the central-east cluster which includes the Free…