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Articles by Teboho Setena
Charges dropped: former Ratlou CFO Letlojane cleared of fraud
MMBATHO -The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) of South Africa has withdrawn fraud charges against Tumelo Letlojane (35), the former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Ratlou Local Municipality, along with Maikano Keikantsemang Sedumedi, who is still employed as a payroll clerk at the municipality in the North West. The Mmabatho Specialised Commercial Crime Court cleared all charges during proceedings on Wednesday.
Free State high-profile Nulane corruption case set for High Court pretrial
BLOEMFONTEIN – The high-profile Nulane corruption case has been postponed to 20 January 2027 for a pretrial conference in the Free State High Court. In a statement, Kaizer Kganyago, national spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), said the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court postponed the matter during a hearing today. The matter reached this stage following a twist. The FS High Court discharged and acquitted all the accused in 2023.
Police continue hunt for killers as funeral is set for Lekone twins
BLOEMFONTEIN – The funeral of the slain Lekone twins, Kegomodicoe and Keabecoe, both 52 years old, is set for Sunday, 1 November, in Heidedal, as officially announced by the family. A memorial service was held on Tuesday at their popular Ekhayeni Pub and Grill in Bochabela, where family and friends honoured their lives The grief-stricken family has since asked for continued respect for their privacy during this time of bereavement.
Free State high-profile corruption case set for High Court pretrial
BLOEMFONTEIN – The high-profile Nulane corruption case has been postponed to 20 January next year for a pretrial conference in the Free State High Court. In a statement, Kaizer Kganyago, national spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), said the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court postponed the matter during a hearing today – Wednesday 29 October. The matter reached this stage following a twist. The Free State High Court discharged and acquitted all the accused in 2023.
Public Works crack down on corrupt construction contractors
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has announced the decisive removal of 13 construction companies from the Construction Industry Development Board’s (cidb) National Register of Contractors due to misrepresentation. Following a critical resolution by the cidb Board on Thursday 15 October , the regularisations were enacted under sections 19(1) and 19(2) of the Construction Industry Development Board Act of 2000.
Grassroots team marks a significant chapter in football aspirations
THABA NCHU – Thaba Nchu’s rising football force, Motlatla FC, is bracing for a grueling campaign in the far more demanding South African Football Association (SAFA) Regional League, the third-tier division of the association. Marking a significant chapter in their ascent toward elite football, the rural outfit secured a hard-earned promotion to the regional league, climbing up the ranks alongside fellow promotion-earners Pro Mates and Black Cross.
DA caucus leader murdered days ahead of municipal election
SASOLBURG – The DA in the Free State is mourning Metsimaholo caucus leader Michael Thulani Mbana, who was shot dead execution-style in Sasolburg on Monday night. The targeted killing raises immediate fears of a political hit as South Africa experiences a massive surge in political violence. In the run-up to the 2026 Local Government Elections, political killings have spiked dramatically across the country, with the tally now standing at almost 50 murders.
Police officer shoots wife before turning gun on himself
GQEBERHA – A 49-year-old KwaZakhele police officer shot his wife multiple times before turning the weapon on himself at their home in Bumbane Street, NU 4, on Monday morning, 26 October. Police have opened an inquest docket and an attempted murder case for investigation According to the Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, upon arrival, police members were informed that the incident had occurred at the home of a police official.
Suspect nabbed in viral Pinetown carjacking shootout case
DURBAN – A 35-year-old suspect arrested in connection with the Pinetown carjacking shootout that grabbed global headlines is due in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court today, Tuesday 27 October. Pinetown detectives nabbed the suspect at KwaDabeka on Sunday 25 October. He was found with an unlicensed firearm and 14 rounds of ammunition. He faces charges of attempted carjacking, three counts of attempted murder, and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
Suspended Pretoria chief magistrate pleads not guilty in Bosasa-linked trial
Suspended Pretoria chief magistrate Desmond Nair has pleaded not guilty to corruption charges in the Pretoria Commercial Crimes Court, in a trial linked to the former Bosasa group. Nair appeared in court yesterday (Monday 26 October). Nair faces charges of corruption for allegedly receiving security upgrades valued at about R200 000 to his Gauteng home from African Global Operations, formerly known as Bosasa, in September 2016.
Bloemfontein police seize illicit cigarettes worth R4 million on N1
BLOEMFONTEIN – The police-led Safer Festive Season Operation Shanela II has achieved significant results over the weekend. It led to the seizure of illicit cigarettes in transit aboard a truck and arrest of two male suspects as well as seizure of the truck used. The suspects are expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on 27 October facing a charge for the possession of counterfeit goods.
Zondani marks 14-day walk spreading mental health en route to Johannesburg
BLOEMFONTEIN – Mental health advocate Zolani Ndalo Zondani marks 14 days on the road since he departed from Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) on October 12 to embark on an inspirational long-distance walk to Johannesburg. He has covered more than 670 km thus far via the N1 route and passed the Free State capital, Bloemfontein, having arrived on Saturday before sunset. Zondani said he plans to take a break in Winburg and stay overnight.
Cross-border killers sentenced to life behind bars for border post bloodbath
BLOEMFONTEIN – Two Lesotho nationals have been sentenced to life imprisonment after an ambush at a border taxi rank left two men dead and a community reeling, following an international manhunt that saw them dragged from their hideout across the border to face South African justice. Tumelo Tsiu (32) and Lineo Walatsa (30) were apprehended in Lesotho in July 2024 and brought back to South Africa to face justice for a double murder that occured in June 2024.
Seven appear in Molopo court on 46 counts of Mafikeng fraud and money laundering
NORTH WEST PROVINCE – Seven accused appeared before the Specialised Commercial Crime Court, sitting at the Molopo Regional Court, on Thursday 22 October and Friday 23 October. Hendrik Smith, Petrus van der Merwe, Barbra van der Merwe, Sarel van Niekerk, Brian Moholo, Tshepiso Moholo and Reggie Mutsi face a total of 46 counts, including corruption, fraud, contraventions of the Municipal Finance Management Act and money laundering.
Mental health advocate walks across SA to spark men’s wellness conversation
SPRINGFONTEIN – Step by determined step, 28-year-old Zolani Ndalo Zondani is walking the length of South Africa with a single mission: to shatter the silence surrounding men’s mental health. Armed with nothing more than a hand-carved walking stick and unwavering resolve, this mental health advocate is turning highways into platforms for conversation – one gruelling kilometre at a time.
Three ex-officers convicted in death of Nathaniel Julies, who lived with Down syndrome
JOHANNESBURG -Three former police officers have been convicted in the fatal shooting of Nathaniel Julies, who lived with Down syndrome, in Eldorado Park in 2020. The Gauteng Division of the High Court, sitting in Palm Ridge today, Friday, convicted them on different charges. Constable Caylene Whiteboy and Sergeant Simon Ndyalvane, were found guilty of murder, and the third accused, Detective Voster Netshiongolo, of unlawful possession of ammunition and perjury.
Mental health advocate treks Free State to spread awareness
SPRINGFONTEIN – Mental health advocate Zolani Ndalo Zondani is up with the sun in the Free State today – 23 October. He is continuing his powerful walking mission across the country to ensure conversations about men’s mental wellness are at the centre. With a hand-carved walking stick striking the earth, Zondani began last year on a modern-day pilgrimage to ensure the silent struggles of men’s mental wellness become part of the national conversation.
WATCH | NWU honours Tim Modise for giving SA a voice through broadcasting
MAHIKENG – A career that began behind a microphone in Mahikeng more than four decades ago came full circle on Thursday 22 October when North-West University (NWU) conferred an honorary doctorate in Communication Science on veteran broadcaster Tim Modise. The university honoured Modise at its Mahikeng Campus Great Hall for his contribution to journalism, public communication and democratic dialogue.
Judgment reserved in Molefe and co-accused bid to strike Transnet case
JOHANNESBURG – The Gauteng Local Division of the High Court, Johannesburg, has reserved judgment in the application seeking to strike the multimillion-rand Transnet locomotive fraud and corruption case off the roll. The accused in the matter brought the Section 342A application seeking to strike the case off the roll owing to delays in the criminal trial.
Legal Aid SA workers back at work as union suspends nationwide strike
BLOEMFONTEIN – Legal Aid South Africa employees affiliated with the South African Lawyers and Allied Workers Union (SALAWU) have returned to workplaces after two days of strike action. The union issued notice that the strike had been suspended nationwide, while the employer (Legal Aid SA) confirmed that all offices were operating as normal and that services continued uninterrupted.
Forensic clues emerge in double murder of Bloemfontein twins
BLOEMFONTEIN – Free State police forensic experts have recovered several spent cartridge cases from the scene where Bloemfontein’s twins Kegomodicoe and Keabecoe Lekone were gunned down yesterday in broad daylight. The cartridges form part of the evidence into their murder that has gripped the Free State capital. Preliminary evidence revealed that they were ambushed at the gate when entering the premises driving their charcoal-coloured Ford Ranger.
Regional pride on the line in inter-provincial Boxing Bonanza
BLOEMFONTEIN -Free State amateur boxers from various clubs are dusting off their gloves – gearing up to trade leather with opponents from Kimberley in the Northern Cape on Saturday in Bloemfontein. They will offer boxing fraternity an explosive day of fight action in a highly anticipated inter-provincial tournament. This one-day showdown is set to take place at the Bochabela Boxing Arena. The Bloemfontein-based Devil’s Boxing Club plays host to the tournament preceding the national championships.
Bloemfontein’s Lekone twins shot execution-style, police launch manhunt
BLOEMFONTEIN – Bloemfontein-based controversial twins (52) who owned the popular Ekhayeni Pub & Grill in Bochabela were reportedly shot dead, execution-style, with police confirmed their identities. Social media platforms are flooded with the news of the shooting of the pair, Kegomodicoe Lekone and Keabecoe Lekone, this morning – Wednesday. They were ambushed at one of the business premises situated on the corner of Mkhuhlane Road and Morakile Street in Bochabela.
Free State health headquarters closed over health, safety failures
BLOEMFONTEIN – The Free State Department of Health’s headquarters, Bophelo House, in Bloemfontein, has been closed indefinitely after the provincial Department of Employment and Labour issued a prohibition order. All officials housed at this property will be working remotely with effect from today – Wednesday 21 October.
Football fans call the shots in tournament with a new experience
JOHANNESBURG – The Carling Knockout Cup football competition featuring 16 clubs in the elite Premiership, returns to the stage with an innovation rewarding the 12th man – the supporters – for their continued immense role in the game. The innovation gives fans a chance to win a share of the R20.2 million prize money in the sponsored tournament. This was unveiled at the official launch that served as the draw in Johannesburg last Wednesday – 14 October.
Three Polokwane Airport police officers arrested over disappearance of 46 undocumented nationals
POLOKWANE – Three South African Police Service officers stationed at Polokwane International Airport were arrested on Monday evening in connection with a corrupt scheme that led to the disappearance of nearly 50 undocumented foreign nationals last year. The suspects – two men and one woman aged between 44 and 49 – were taken into custody during a joint operation by the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit and the Polokwane Tactical Response Team (TRT).
Fugitive brought to book after decade-long manhunt for serious cases
BLOEMFONTEIN – The Provincial Tracking Team’s continued efforts have resulted in the arrest of a Lesotho national wanted in connection with three cases that occurred in the Bloemspruit area in 2016 and 2019, respectively. The alleged fugitive Thabo Tauhali (38) arrest last Thursday, (15 October) followed a decade-long search.
Christmas stokvel fraudster sentenced for defrauding contributors
BLOEMFONTEIN – An enterprise stokvel runner, Lebohang Mokatedi (31), will serve 10 years of a 15-year prison sentence following his sentencing by the Bloemfontein Regional Court. He was sentenced on Thursday 15 October for defrauding several people through his company, Lebohang Society and Financial Credit Service (Pty) Ltd. The sentencing followed probing involving the Bloemfontein-based Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit, and police detectives from Bloemspruit and Botshabelo.
Legal Aid SA workers on nationwide strike over unpaid bonuses, vacant posts
BLOEMFONTEIN – Legal Aid South Africa employees affiliated to the South African Lawyers and Allied Workers Union (SALAWU) downed tools this morning as they embark on a full-blown strike. Central to the strike are unpaid performance bonuses, frozen vacancies, and declining working conditions, with workers lamenting the impact on their ability to serve the public diligently. Striking workers at various branches include support staff and legal practitioners.
Trial of boyfriend accused of CUT student murder postponed to next year
COLESBERG – The trial of Siphosovuyo Yabo (22) for the murder of Bunono Alulutho Buba, who was a student at the Central University of Technology (CUT) Free State in Bloemfontein, is set to continue early in 2027. The Northern Cape Division of the High Court, sitting in Colesberg, postponed the proceedings to 8–12 February. The initial trial took place from 12 until 16 October.
Police appeal for leads after Bangladeshi man kidnapped for R3m ransom
VILLIERS -The SAPS Serious and Violent Crimes unit in Free State is appealing for public assistance to find a Bangladeshi national, Nadim Hoshen (35), who was carjacked and kidnapped for ransom. Const Kelello Patsa, provincial spokesperson for the police in the Fezile Dabi district, said that according to a report made to Villiers police, Hoshen was kidnapped during a carjacking on Tuesday, 13 October.
Two killed, four survive in three-vehicle crash on R73 in Free State
VIRGINIA – Two people were killed and four others injured when three vehicles collided at the junction of the R73 and ZR Mahabane Road, near Virginia in the Free State on Sunday, 18 October. Motorists are advised to use alternative routes until further notice. The crash, which occurred around 15:30, has resulted in the temporary closure of the road. Emergency services, rescue services and law enforcement personnel are at the scene attending to the situation.
Free State MEC condemns violence at school after Gr. 11 learner stabbing
QWAQWA – A stabbing incident involving male learners has reared its ugly head at one of the Free State schools. In a statement, the Free State Department of Education confirmed the incident occurred last Wednesday 14 October at the Seotlong Agricultural and Hotel School in Qwaqwa, a former homeland in the eastern Free State. The victim is a Gr. 11 learner and was admitted to the Elizabeth Ross Hospital for medical treatment for injuries he sustained following a stabbing with a pair of scissors.
Tragedy strikes Limpopo family after two minor brothers die at clinic
SASELAMANI, LIMPOPO – The SAPS in Saselamani has opened two inquest dockets after two siblings died at a local clinic under mysterious circumstances. Their details have not been released. Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, spokesperson for the police, confirmed two inquest cases had been opened to establish the circumstances surrounding the siblings’ deaths at a local clinic on Wednesday, 14 October. The investigation seeks to establish the cause of death of the boys, aged 9 and 12.
SAPS seizes illicit goods worth over R160m in Gauteng, Free State
BLOEMFONTEIN – An ongoing operation by the SAPS National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit (NCIGU) resulted in the seizure of goods worth more than R160.431 million in Gauteng and the Free State this week. Multidisciplinary teams made the seizures during separate operations conducted from Tuesday to Friday, 16 October. The biggest discovery was made in the Johannesburg CBD, where over 62 000 counterfeit items were seized.
SAPS inter-provincial operation nets six, seizes 12 vehicles worth over R4.8m
COLESBERG – An intelligence-driven inter-provincial police operation involving officers from the Northern Cape and Western Cape led to the arrest of a suspect linked to an alleged vehicle fraud syndicate on Friday 16 October. The operation also resulted in the seizure of 12 high-end Jetour T2 Hybrid vehicles valued at more than R4.8 million.
Another ex-Botselo Mills group manager convicted of R8.7m fraud case
MAHIKENG – A former Botselo Mills Group Financial Manager was convicted on multiple counts in an R8.7 million fraud case that crippled the company. Reginald Scholtz (62) was convicted by the Specialised Commercial Crime Unit (SCCU) Court sitting at the Molopo Regional Court in Mahikeng on Friday 16 October after being found guilty on multiple charges. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) of South Africa has welcomed Scholtz’s conviction on 52 counts of fraud.
Police looking for assistance following ATM bombing in Qwaqwa
PHUTHADIJHABA – The Police Serious and Violent Crime Unit in Phuthaditjhaba is appealing for information that could lead to the arrest of 11 armed suspects following the bombing of two ATMs in the Phuthaditjhaba Central Business District during the early hours of Friday morning. According to police, a security officer was inside a vehicle recording kilometre readings at about 01:20 when he was confronted by two armed suspects.
Charge of attempted murder after knife gets stuck in victim’s neck
FAURESMITH – A young man from Fauresmith in the Free State facing a charge of attempted murder of a fellow resident, is remanded in custody following a gruesome knife attack. The accused, Justin Otto (24), had his case postponed to Tuesday 20 October for a bail application after a brief appearance before the Fauresmith Magistrates’ Court on Monday 12 October. Sgt Sinah Mpakane, provincial spokesperson for the police, said the victim, Thembile Tseletsele (43), survived the attack.
Free State stokvel fraudster sentenced to 10 years’ direct imprisonment
BLOEMFONTEIN – A 31-year-old man has been sentenced to 10 years’ direct imprisonment for defrauding members of a Christmas stokvel in Bloemfontein and Botshabelo. Lebohang Mokatedi and his company, Lebohang Society and Financial Credit Service (Pty) Ltd, were sentenced by the Bloemfontein Regional Court on Thursday, 15 October, following his conviction on multiple counts of fraud, theft and money laundering on 8 October.
Former police officers jailed for a plot to kill husband for R3m insurance payout
JOHANNESBURG – The Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court has sentenced two former SAPS sergeants for a failed plot to murder the husband of one of them to claim R3 million from a life insurance policy. Both Nomia Rosemary Ndlovu and Nomsa Mudau received 10 years each on Wednesday, for conspiracy to murder the latter’s partner, Justice Mudau in 2018. They were convicted in mid-May. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed the outcome.
Dismissed Hertzogville police sergeant faces court over state petrol card fraud
HERTZOGVILLE -A dismissed police sergeant in Hertzogville, Free State, is facing criminal prosecution following a SAPS Anti-Corruption Unit investigation into state petrol card fraud. The suspect, Thomas Pule Shomolekae, was served with a summons on Tuesday, officially charging him with fraud. Lt Col Thabo Covane, provincial spokesperson for the police, said Shomolekae was expected to make his first appearance before the Hertzogville Magistrates Court on 12 November.
Banyana’s Olympic quest gathers momentum, but Angola looms
BLOEMFONTEIN – Banyana Banyana’s head coach, Dr Desire Ellis, is in a buoyant mood after advancing to the third round of the 2028 CAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying tournament with a convincing 7 – 0 victory over Madagascar. Her charges exploited the home-ground advantage at the Toyota Stadium to outclass their opponents. In the second-leg Olympic qualifier played on Tuesday, Banyana beat the island side 3-0, adding to their 4-0 victory in the first leg played last Friday.
Zimbabwean sentenced for R10.4m illicit cigarette haul through Beitbridge
LIMPOPO – The Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit in Limpopo has welcomed the sentencing of a Zimbabwean national, Godknows Mangani Demanyundo (54) in a cross-border illicit cigarettes case. The accused was convicted and sentenced today by the Giyani Magistrate’s Court for transporting illicit cigarettes worth more than R10.4 million through the Musina–Beitbridge Port of Entry.
Woman faces attempted murder charge after tavern brawl
KOFFIEFONTEIN – A 43-year-old woman from Koffiefontein in the Free State has been arrested in connection with a gruesome knife-stabbing incident involving another woman. Sgt Sinah Mpakane, provincial spokesperson for the police, said the suspect is expected to appear before the Koffiefontein Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 15 October, facing a charge of attempted murder.
Free State kicks off Gr.12 national exams with over 48 000 candidates
BLOEMFONTEIN – The Free State commenced the Grade 12 national exams positively, as more than 3 000 learners across the province wrote the Computer Applications Technology (CAT) subject. They are part of the 48 141-strong cohort – 39 352 full-time and 8 789 part-time candidates, confirmed to write their 2026 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams.
Two siblings from JCS School among four dead in Sasolburg crash
SASOLBURG – The identities of three schoolchildren from a the Free State, who died alongside their scholar transport driver in a head-on collision, have been identified. The children attended at JCS Independent School situated in Vaalpark, a suburb in Sasolburg. The fatal accident happened last Thursday on the R59 road which connects Sasolburg and Vaalpark. It involved a Mercedes-Benz truck and the minibus scholar transport, a Volkswagen Caravelle.
Online gambling surges as families bear the cost, SRI report shows
Online gambling in South Africa grew by 390% between 2021 and 2025, with mobile phones and a flood of gambling advertising driving the increase. The findings are contained in a report by the Solidarity Research Institute (SRI) released by Solidarity on Tuesday 13 October, which warns that the industry’s growth is not only affecting people’s incomes but also families’ ability to put food on the table.
Sentence of up to 798 years in prison after copper cable theft
BLOEMFONTEIN – The Free State High Court in Bloemfontein has imposed lengthy sentences on 25 of 26 members of an organised syndicate in the R29 million Transnet copper cable infrastructure case. The sentences were handed down on Friday 9 October and range from 33 years to 798 years in cumulative prison time. The men were convicted after a trial held over five days last year. They include two Malawians, four Mozambicans, seven South Africans, and 12 Zimbabweans.
Banyana eye Olympic progress as Ellis demands ruthless finish against Madagascar
BLOEMFONTEIN – South Africa’s senior women’s team head coach Dr Desiree Ellis has urged her charges to guard against complacency when they meet Madagascar in the second-leg CAF Women’s Olympic qualifier. This tie takes place at Toyota Stadium tomorrow – Tuesday. Kick-off is at 18:00. Illustrious Ellis stressed the 4-0 win over the island opposition last Friday was not a guarantee, setting the team a target for a ruthless approach in the upcoming fixture.
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