Free State Education MEC, Dr. MJ Maboya, has expressed her deepest condolences to the families of four Dr. CF Visserskool learners who tragically lost their lives in a car accident on Friday, January 24, 2025, near Bloemfontein. The deceased learners, three of whom were siblings, have been identified as Ryan Smith (6), Ayden Smith (8), and Leane Vah Papendorp (8), as well as their friend, Tennnique Joubert (6), who passed away at Pelonomi Hospital due to severe injuries. “On behalf of the entire education fraternity in the Free State and South Africa, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased learners,” said MEC Maboya. “May they find comfort in knowing that we share their loss and mourn the passing of these young lives.” The Free State Department of Education has made psychosocial support available to teachers and learners affected by the tragedy. Senior officials will visit the school to offer condolences, assess the situation, and provide support to those grieving. “This tragic incident serves as a poignant reminder of the preciousness of life and the importance of supporting those affected by loss,” MEC Maboya said.
Arron Gaotingwe Raphutse (49), a librarian at Mangaung Metro Municipality, appeared before the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 28 January 2025, after charges of fraud, theft and uttering were brought against him by the Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation in Bloemfontein. During 2007, the Hawks received information that Raphutse falsely and intentionally submitted false information in his application and curriculum vitae (CV) about his qualifications to Community and Social Development Sub-Directorate at Mangaung Metro Municipality when he applied for the advertised post purported he had the relevant qualifications. The municipality went ahead and appointed him with the belief that he was holding the relevant qualifications. As a result the municipality was prejudiced and suffered a total loss of R1, 329 935.08. A thorough probe into the matter was launched, where a verification on the qualifications was conducted and established that Raphutse does not have the relevant qualifications as claimed. On 24 January 2025, a warrant of his arrest was authorised and obtained from the Magistrate and the accused handed himself in to the Hawks. The court granted him bail of R2000. 00 and the matter was postponed to 4 February 2025. Free State Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Major General Mokgadi Bokaba applauded the outstanding Investigation in this matter and further emphasized that misrepresentation of qualifications is a serious criminal offence.
The war in Russia has had a devastating effect on the fuel supply The South African Petroleum Industry Association (SAPIA) and petrol stations in Pietermaritzburg have rubbished claims of a major petrol shutdown being planned for Friday. They were responding to a viral voice note making allegations about a major shutdown of petrol stations and fuel shortages that will supposedly start on Friday. The Witness spoke to a some fuel stations in Pietermaritzburg about these claims and they all said it was a hoax. They confirmed hearing the voice note, however, they said they have not received any official statement or instruction from their respective companies about any shutdown, so everything will continue as normal on Friday. The South African Petroleum Industry Association’s head of advocacy engagement and communications, Cindy-Lee Maneveld, said they are also not aware of the shutdown. “SAPIA is not aware of any shutdown, and we do not believe that this true,” said Maneveld.
The movement fighting xenophobia along with other unions lead a march on Saturday in the Johannesburg CBD denouncing Operation Dudula. JOHANNESBURG – A coalition of civil society organisations under the banner Kopanang Africa has called for Home Affairs Minister Aron Motsoaledi to step down saying he does not know how to do his job. The movement fighting xenophobia along with other unions lead a march on Saturday in the Johannesburg CBD denouncing Operation Dudula. Members of the activist movement against xenophobic attacks that have been carried out by several communities in recent weeks took the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) to court over its decision to prohibit the demonstration. The march was initially scheduled for human rights day, but the JMPD stopped it due to safety concerns. Operation Dudula has been removing migrants in and around parts of Joburg, Alexandra and Soweto.
JOHANNESBURG – Amid calls for government to lift the state of disaster, the country today marks exactly two years since the government imposed the first COVID-19 lockdown. The aim was to flatten the curve while preparing the healthcare system to deal with the rapidly rising cases. To date, the country has recorded over 3.7 million infections, while the death toll is edging closer to the 100,000 mark. In 2020, South Africa and President Cyril Ramaphosa were lauded for acting swiftly and decisively to slow the outbreak, but the lockdown and its restrictions has had a heavy toll. In a late evening address to the nation, Ramaphosa announced government’s decision to lock down South Africa on 26 March 2020 in an effort to contain the spread of COVID-19. FROM THE ARCHIVES: President Ramaphosa: South Africa in 21-day lockdown At the time, the virus had firmly spread out of its ground zero, China, and was ripping through parts of the west and Africa. Government imposed a 21-day lockdown that would lead to a litany of restrictions on the sale of non-essential items including alcohol, tobacco and clothing at some point, even rotisserie chicken was banned. The use of the military to enforce these laws was also met with sharp criticism. While black-market alcohol and cigarette sales boomed, personal protective equipment corruption also soared with many wanting to cash-in on masks and sanitiser tenders. Seven-hundred-and-thirty days in, some residents say they’ve had enough. “I think it is time that government lifts it; it’s been a while and the rest of the world has already opened,” one citizen said. While another said: “I think they are using it as a control mechanism because once they lift it, it’s free for all.” Residents have been urged to have their say on a new set of health regulations to replace the state of disaster.