Author: The Free Stater

THE Free State has once again proven its academic excellence, emerging as South Africa’s top-performing province in the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations with an impressive 91.0 percent pass rate. This achievement marks an increase from last year’s 89.0 percent, solidifying the province’s reputation as a consistent leader in education. Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube announced the results on Monday evening, expressing pride in the country’s overall performance. The national pass rate for 2024 reached an historic 87.3 percent, a significant leap from 82.9 percent in 2023. “This is the highest matric pass rate in the history of our…

WITH the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) results now ready to be released, thousands of matriculants in the Free State and across South Africa are weighing their options for the future. The final exam scripts have been marked and verified, and quality assurance body Umalusi has given its approval. Now, this Tuesday, over 870,000 candidates will find out if they have passed – and what doors their results will open. While a successful NSC result can lead to further studies at universities or colleges, those who fall short of the requirements still have viable pathways to continue their education or…

THE Free State police have confirmed the arrest of two suspects in connection with the murder of former magistrate Piet Christiaan Bester, aged 63. The arrests were facilitated through close cooperation between the local farming community and law enforcement agencies. Bester’s body was discovered on Sunday, 12 January 2025, by a worker at his residence in the Glen district, on the outskirts of Bloemfontein, at approximately 09:00. He was found lying in a pool of blood, having sustained multiple wounds. The gruesome discovery shocked the community and sparked a swift police investigation. In a statement, Free State police spokesperson Captain…

THE Cheetahs secured a hard-fought 22-18 victory against Zebre Parma in a memorable Challenge Cup encounter in Amsterdam on Sunday. Despite a shaky second half, the Free State side held their nerve to claim a crucial win in their European campaign. Zebre wasted no time making their mark, opening the scoring just 90 seconds into the match with a successful penalty kick. Moments later, Cheetahs fullback Michael Annies showcased individual brilliance, chipping ahead and regathering to cross the tryline. Flyhalf Ethan Wentzel added the conversion, giving the Cheetahs an early 7-3 lead. The Italian outfit responded swiftly after a loose…

THE Cheetahs have assembled their strongest possible squad for a crucial EPCR Challenge Cup encounter against Zebre this Sunday at the NRCA Stadium in Amsterdam. With their tournament hopes hanging in the balance, a victory is essential for the Free State side to keep their Round of 16 aspirations alive. After a nail-biting draw against Perpignan and a narrow defeat to Cardiff, the Cheetahs currently sit fifth in Pool One. With only the top four teams from each pool advancing to the knockout stage, this clash against Zebre is a do-or-die affair. Zebre, who are still seeking their first pool-stage…

THE African National Congress (ANC), which lost its three-decade political dominance in South Africa during the last elections, has pledged to regain the trust of voters and rebuild its support base ahead of the next national polls. Speaking to a crowd of about 16 000 supporters at Mandela Park Stadium in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, President Cyril Ramaphosa reaffirmed the party’s determination to return as a majority party in future elections. The rally, held on Saturday to mark the ANC’s 113th anniversary, also served as a platform to outline the party’s policy priorities for the year. “The outcome of the May…

A 60-YEAR-OLD woman and her son appeared in the Ladybrand Magistrates Court in the Free State this week on charges related to an alleged illegal investment scheme that reportedly defrauded residents of nearly R1 million. Pontsho Faith Lepoqo and her 34-year-old son, Sebotsa Washington Lepoqo, face multiple charges, including fraud, money laundering and violations of both the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act and the Banks Act. The duo was arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit based in Bethlehem after a warrant was issued. Hawks provincial spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Zweli Mohobeleli confirmed the arrests and provided details…

A POLICE officer was killed and another seriously injured during a high-speed chase with a suspected stock theft vehicle in the early hours of Thursday morning on the R34 between Heilbron and Edenville in the Free State. Sergeant Thabiso Andries Mareletse, 45, the driver of a police bakkie, died at the scene after losing control of the vehicle, which overturned. His passenger, Constable Bongani Jeffrey Xanko,31, sustained serious injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. The incident occurred at around 02:35, with both officers from the Heilbron visible policing unit on duty and in full uniform.…

SPORTS Minister Gayton McKenzie has thrown his weight behind calls for South Africa to boycott its ICC Champions Trophy fixture against Afghanistan, joining a growing chorus of international voices condemning the Taliban government’s clampdown on women’s rights. His remarks come as several British politicians have urged the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to withdraw from their scheduled game against Afghanistan at the tournament in Pakistan next month. England and South Africa are both drawn in the same group as Afghanistan, intensifying the debate over whether to engage with a nation under scrutiny for its human rights record. “Cricket South…

 THE Free State High Court has set aside a drunk driving conviction against a local man, Jacques Jerline, citing multiple procedural errors by the Dealesville Magistrates Court. He was convicted after pleading guilty to driving under the influence on 21 February 2020 in Boshoff. Jerline was fined R5 000 or 10 months’ imprisonment, suspended for five years. However, the High Court found the trial flawed, with the plea not covering all elements of the offense. Key issues included that the alternative charge of driving with excessive blood alcohol was not properly put to Jerline, and no plea was recorded. Jerline’s…