A Lesotho national has been arrested in connection with the alleged killing of two police officers in the Free State Constable Sipho Mohapi and Constable Gedione Motloung of Namahadi Visible Policing in Qwaqwa were shot and killed while responding to a house robbery in Phuthaditjhaba on 4 January 2024.  In a statement released by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) on Thursday was traced and arrested in Phuthaditjhaba by a team and Local Criminal Record Center (LCRC) on Wednesday “He was caught on horseback near Monontsha Port of Entry in an apparent attempt to escape into neighbouring Lesotho The suspect was found in possession of a cellphone stolen during the robbery and a firearm suspected to have been used during the murders,” the statement reads The suspect will appear in the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrate's Court on Friday Lieutenant General Advocate/Dr Godfrey Lebeya which has worked without ceasing for the breakthrough Advocate Lebeya said a search for two outstanding suspects continues Anyone with information is urged to call detective Captain Michael Masekoa on 082 455 6063 General Enquiries newsfiles@gcis.gov.za Tel: 012 473 0213Editor Roze Britz roze@gcis.gov.za News Editor Janine Arcangeli janine@gcis.gov.zaEditor-in-Chief Zanele Mngadizanelemngadi@gcis.gov.za  Phuthaditjhaba police are asking for the community’s assistance in searching for two armed suspects after a woman (61) and her son (40) were shot and killed in their home Phuthaditjhaba police are asking for the community’s assistance in searching for two armed suspects after Maluti-a-Phofung councillor Moshe Lefuma (40) and his mother It is alleged that on Saturday (23/11) Dinah was home with her sons when two unknown men walked inside the house and asked about her eldest son Moshe When questioned why they were looking for him they proceeded straight into his bedroom and she followed them that is when the youngest son heard gunshots and ran from the house “Police received a call about the shooting incident at a certain house in the Snake Park section of Bluegumbosch upon arrival police found two bodies in the bedroom,” said Free State police spokesperson Molefi Shemane “Both bodies sustained gunshot wounds in their heads and were declared dead by emergency services the motive for this killing is not yet known.” We appeal to anyone with information that could lead to the arrest and conviction of the suspects to contact Colonel Milela of Phuthaditjhaba detective services at 079 889 3311 or crime stop at 08600 10111 “The DA in the province is shocked and saddened by the brutal murder of Maluti-a-Phofung DA Chief Whip Moshe Lefuma and his mother after an attack on their home,” said Maluti-a-Phofung DA constituency head “The DA deeply mourns the loss of his young life as someone who still had so much to give his community and we will remain unwavering in our pursuit of justice “We visited the family on Saturday (23/11) and extended our deepest condolences to their loved ones during this difficult period,” he said OFM News/Zenande Mpame cg North West scholar transport operators will finally receive payments Vrystaatse ouerpaar in hof ná kinders doodbrand Besoekers sprakeloos oor skouspelagtige Augrabies UV ontken aantygings oor buitelandse werknemers Ondersoek duur voort ná skietery op Lichtenburg Oekraïne vra Suid-Afrika om ontvoerde kinders te help terugbring Wyle pous Franciskus het begrafnisrituele vooraf vereenvoudig Mianmar-aardbewing: Hulp stroom in ná meer as 1 700 sterftes Suid-Afrikaners wen gesogte blommeskou-trofee in China Subscribe to daily business and company news across 19 industries This event marks a significant expansion of a leading 100% Black-owned retail enterprise and highlights a pivotal moment in township economic development Founded in 1999 by Tommy MacMillian Makhatho Bibi Cash and Carry has grown from humble beginnings to become a significant player in the Free State retail sector Makhatho’s journey began in the early 1980s with a modest hair salon venture in Soweto which eventually led him to distribute hair-care products across the Free State This early business experience paved the way for the establishment of the salon business Jabula Cosmetics in 1991 and the subsequent transition to the supermarket sector Says Makhatho: “This launch is a proud milestone for Bibi Cash & Carry and was made possible by the NEF’s valued support This new flagship store demonstrates our commitment to our customers’ convenience and our ongoing efforts to deliver non-stop value to our community.” “The company’s expansion has been driven largely by Makhatho’s vision and determination primarily from personal resources and some loans Bibi Cash and Carry's growth trajectory has included the opening of new stores distribution centres and the introduction of innovative services such as the Bibi Funeral Grocery Scheme,” says Mziwabantu Dayimani Bibi Cash and Carry primarily serves lower-income market segments (LSM 1-3) focusing on affordability and accessibility The company operates two distribution centres The new flagship store features expanded parking a broader product range and improved infrastructure positioning Bibi to attract a wider customer base and enabling it to compete more effectively against national chains “The new store in Setsing is funded by the NEF and the investment is a testament to our commitment to supporting black-owned businesses and fostering economic growth in under-served regions This partnership will enable Bibi Cash and Carry to enhance its operations create new job opportunities and strengthen the local economy It is a vital step in advancing inclusive growth in the Free State,” Dayimani said the wholesale and retail trade of food is predominantly controlled by major national supermarket chains such as Shoprite In Phuthaditjhaba and the surrounding region Bibi Cash and Carry competes with both national and independent retailers Bibi has secured meaningful market share in the province reflecting its resilience and strong resonance with the target market “The NEF is proud to be part of this success story and looks forward to seeing its continued positive impact on the community,” concluded Dayimani Choose a topic below and thereafter view all articles on the topic using the "Next >" button or swiping left Choose a topic below and thereafter view all articles on the topic using the "Next >" button or the keyboard right arrow key A voicenote from the Leader of the Democratic Alliance is attached here It is wonderful to be here in Phuthaditjhaba today The people of this area matter deeply to the Democratic Alliance you have gotten to know the DA’s hard-working representatives like Dr Roy Jankielsohn and Leona Kleynhans as people who really fight for the residents of this area The truth is that it is the DA that has stepped up to serve Phuthaditjhaba because the ANC has given up on the people of the Free State The consequences of how the ANC has betrayed the people This community where we are standing today probably has the highest unemployment rate in the whole country Seven out of every ten people cannot find work Hundreds of factories in the industrial areas have closed down in recent years They didn’t close down because they wanted to because the ANC made it impossible for them to function has made it impossible for businesses to succeed And it is the people of Phuthaditjhaba who are paying the price Every single one of the nine sewerage pumps here are broken That means that over 400 000 people have lost access to sanitation services because the ANC used cadre deployment to put their friends and comrades into highly-paid positions on the Maluti-a-Phofung water board Women and children are no longer safe in their own streets by far the most heart-breaking thing I experienced on my visit to you today Instead of using tax money to feed the people we sit with a government that only feeds themselves while the people go hungry It is an unspeakable crime against the people of Phuthaditjhaba that there are babies dying here from hunger If we are looking for a sign that things cannot go on this way it surely is the fact that we have grieving mothers here who have had to bury their own babies because they cannot even afford to feed them But I am here today with an important message but it has the power to radically improve the lives of the people in this area I know that many of you feel hopeless today Some of you may even have given up on the idea that things can ever get better All it will take to start turning things around for you and your family is to take a leap of courage on the 29th of May by voting for the Democratic Alliance the residents of Phuthaditjhaba are a forgotten people Dr Roy and Leona: we see you and we care about you We care about your ability to put food on the table for your families That is why a vote in for the DA in this election is a vote to create two million new jobs and to lift six million people out of poverty We care about bringing dignity back into people’s lives That is why a vote for the DA in this election is a vote to end the crippling electricity and water cuts in the Free State That is why a vote for the DA in this election is a vote to halve the rate of violent crime attempted murder and gender-based violence We also care about your health and your children’s education That is why a vote for the DA in this election is a vote to end corruption so that we can use the money that the ANC has stolen to build more and better schools and hospitals I know there are lots of political parties running around making promises I think we are all tired now of hearing all these promises What makes the DA different is that we are the only party in the whole South Africa that has a proven track record of turning our promises into results Just look at what we have done in places like uMngeni in KwaZulu-Natal But where the DA governs instead of the ANC and there is zero tolerance for corruption the Democratic Alliance is a job-creating machine eight out of every ten new jobs created in the whole South Africa came from places where the people have voted the DA into power the one province governed by the DA created over 360 000 new jobs Just imagine what 360 000 new jobs would mean for the Free State and for your community Imagine how much better your life would be if you had a government that was on your side Imagine the relief and the joy you would feel if you never had to worry again about where your next meal would come from Imagine also how much easier life would become for people on grants if the DA’s plan to increase the child support grant is implemented Don’t believe the lies: far from taking away grants the DA will increase the child support grant from R510 per month to R760 per month The truth is that there is only one party in this election that will eventually take away social grants Because they are so busy stealing the tax money that is supposed to fund grants They have stolen so much that the money has already run out for Eskom for SAA and for basic services like water and roads they will continue to steal until there is nothing left to fund social grants But the DA will not only protect social grants against corruption while grants are a life-saving necessity for millions of people South Africans don’t want to spend their entire lives in unemployment And that is exactly what you will get if you vote for the DA and we have the track record that can give you confidence that only the DA can deliver the two million new jobs our country needs the ANC told the people of the Free State that they owned this area A person who is fed up with the unemployment and the crime that they suffer under every single day is a courageous person who has decided to take their future into their own hands A person who is done waiting for the ANC to deliver on promises they never intended to keep you will see people who have decided to join the mission to rescue South Africa every person in this hall today knows that there is only one party that can deliver on the promise of 1994 There is only one party with a proven track record of good governance that creates jobs I say to you: the time for change has come And that change will not start in some fancy boardroom in Sandton That change will start right here in the streets of Phuthaditjhaba where the people are going to rise up on Wednesday to vote the ANC out and vote the DA in The democracy that we all love does not belong to any political party It belongs to you and me – it belongs to the people we are going to use our democracy to rescue South Africa We are going to do it by voting for the DA because we know that only a strong DA can rescue South Africa registered non profit organisation in South AfricaReg No: 011-895 NPO In a significant move to boost the Free State’s economy will launch a Textiles Manufacturing Cluster in Phuthaditjhaba driven by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism and create jobs by bringing together key industries in one location The launch marks a bold step towards revitalizing the province’s manufacturing sector and supporting sustainable economic growth in the province The Textiles Manufacturing Cluster is set to transform Phuthaditjhaba into an industrial hub Departmental Spokesperson Mojalefa Mphapang announced on 16 March 2025 that “In efforts to attract investments MEC Toto Moses Ketso Makume will launch the Textiles Manufacturing Cluster on Thursday Qwaqwa.” He explained that industrial clusters bring together industries like cement This setup allows businesses to share resources such as ICT infrastructure “The shared operating space allows tenants or cluster participants to share ICT infrastructure thereby reducing the cost of doing business for these budding manufacturers,” Mphapang said the cluster aims to help new and small businesses grow creating a ripple effect of economic activity “This noble initiative seeks to generate comparative and competitive advantages to attract innovative businesses leading to job creation and improving the economy of the Free State.” With unemployment a pressing issue in the province this focus on job creation is a welcome move for local communities The cluster aligns with the Free State Growth and Development Strategy (FSGDS) which sets ambitious targets for the manufacturing sector The FSGDS aims to increase manufacturing’s contribution to the provincial economy from 14% in 2014 to 28% by 2030 It also plans to boost the non-petrochemical subsector’s share of manufacturing from 25% to 50% over the same period known for its ability to employ many workers “The textiles manufacturing sector plays a very critical role in driving economic growth due to its labour-absorbing character and has always been supported by the Department with an objective to build a sustainable and transformed economy which is able to create employment,” Mphapang noted the cluster taps into a sector with a proven track record of supporting livelihoods The launch comes amid broader efforts to uplift township economies in the Free State Central News South Africa reported that MEC Makume recently engaged with small and medium enterprises (SMMEs) in Mangaung as part of the Township Economic Revitalization Outreach Programme This initiative identified over 200 SMMEs for support with plans to extend assistance to Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu The Textiles Manufacturing Cluster builds on this momentum offering a structured platform for township-based businesses to thrive In his 2025 Budget Speech on 12 March 2025 Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced new funding for SMMEs The Free State’s cluster initiative positions the province to tap into these funds strengthening its economic recovery efforts The Free State has long grappled with high unemployment and a heavy reliance on agriculture and mining leave the province exposed to global price swings The Textiles Manufacturing Cluster offers a way to diversify the economy by boosting manufacturing By providing affordable rental spaces and shared resources which often struggle with high startup costs Phuthaditjhaba’s selection as the cluster’s home is no accident the area has faced decline due to global competition and aging infrastructure The cluster aims to breathe new life into this legacy with modern facilities expected to draw both local entrepreneurs and outside investors The timing of the launch ties into broader economic developments MEC Makume will deliver his 2025/2026 budget address to the Free State Legislature focusing on economic growth and job creation the 2025 Budget Speech highlighted industrial growth as a priority the budget included measures to support manufacturing and SMMEs The Free State’s proactive approach could make it a standout example for other provinces 🔴 Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 97 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: “Makalo Mohale Appointed to Key Economic Advisory Council in Free State” https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Central-News-Issue-097.pdf https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za For Business Related:business@centralnews.co.za Newsroom:Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za Office Administrator:admin@centralnews.co.za Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin and website in this browser for the next time I comment A total of three suspects have been arrested for the murders of two Free State constables from the Namahadi visible policing unit The latest suspect (53) will appear in the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrate’s Court on Monday (20/1) after he was arrested on Friday in connection with the double murder of the police officers was arrested on Thursday in a village in Phuthaditjhaba and appeared in court on Friday on charges of murder and robbery “The case against Marasane Anmony was postponed to Friday (24/1) together with his Lesotho co-accused Pakiso Lethako (32) who was arrested on Wednesday,” said Gauteng Hawks spokesperson Katlego Mogale “The directorate does not rule out the possibility of more suspects being arrested; anyone with information is urged to call Detective Capt Sipho Mohapi (45) was held in the Phuthaditjhaba Multipurpose Centre on Friday (17/1).  “The soft-spoken constable was known for his love of life and a strong sense of cleanliness He was a talented soccer player and was also honoured by his fellow players in Phuthaditjhaba,” said Free State police spokesperson Peter Kareli Gideon Motloung (39) was held in the Roman Catholic church in Phuthaditjhaba on Thursday “He was remembered for his dedication to youth development and community service He was also hailed as a respected member of the community,” said Kareli The two constables were shot and killed on Saturday 4 January while attending to a complaint of a house robbery in Namahadi Both of them were laid to rest in the Bluegumbosch cemetery “The team assigned to the case is working tirelessly to trace and arrest those who took the life of one of us they promised to bring all those involved to book,” said Provincial Commissioner Lt Hundreds of police officials paid their final respects to their colleagues “The tragic loss of these constables underscores the dangers faced by police officers in the line of duty,” said Police Minister Senzo Mchunu “There is a dire need for enhanced training and safety protocols for officers responding to incidents such as house robberies and violent incidents.” In another incident in North West this week Sgt Fundiswa Motlhaoleng (45) was allegedly gunned down on Tuesday in Randlespark the member who is stationed at Jouberton visible policing was shot by unknown suspects while in her private vehicle and on her way to work #sapsNW Sergeant Fundiswa Motlhaoleng (45) was shot and killed on 14/01 at Randlespark, Klerksdorp while in her private vehicle and on her way to work and in uniform. A black Volkswagen Polo vehicle with four occupants, was allegedly spotted driving off from the scene at a high… pic.twitter.com/NwhO77YzsO The incident took place on Taljaart Kruger Street where three empty cartridges and ammunition were found Motlhaoleng’s body was found with gunshot wounds A black Volkswagen Polo with four occupants was allegedly spotted speeding off North West acting Provincial Commissioner Maj Patrick Asaneng conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the family The motive of the incident has yet to be determined The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) is investigating the matter OFM News/Zenande Mpame Two Free State constables with more than 12 years of policing experience each will be laid to rest after they were fatally shot whilst responding to a house robbery Constable Sipho Mohapi’s (45) funeral will be held at the Phuthaditjhaba Multi-purpose Hall on Friday (17/1) and the Deputy Minister of Police and the Acting National Commissioner of SAPS Constable Gedione Motloung’s (39) funeral was held on Thursday (16/1) at the Phuthaditjhaba Roman Catholic Church and the Minister of Police “A Lesotho national will appear in the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrate’s Court on Friday (17/1) facing charges of murder and robbery,” said Gauteng Hawks spokesperson Katlego Mogale “The suspect was traced and arrested on Wednesday (15/1) on horseback near Monontsha Port of Entry in an apparent attempt to escape into neighbouring Lesotho.” who allegedly was in South Africa illegally was found in possession of a cellphone stolen during the robbery and a firearm suspected to have been used during the murders A memorial service was held for the constables at the Charles Mopeli community hall in Namahadi village on Wednesday (15/1) where various police units The community hall was full at the memorial service in Namahadi (Adv./Dr) Godfrey Lebeya commended the multi-disciplinary team which worked continuously hard for the breakthrough The two constables were fatally shot on Saturday “A search for two outstanding suspects continues anyone with information is urged to call detective Capt Michael Masekoa on 082 455 6063 or contact the crime stop number on 08600 10111 The Lesotho national arrested in connection with the murders The second quarter crime statistics revealed that between July and September 2024 SAPS lost 17 officers as a result of crime OFM News/Zenande Mpame cg Home | South Africa Police at Phuthaditjhaba in Qwaqwa in the Free State have made an urgent call on the community to assist in tracing two armed suspects This after a 61-year-old woman and her 40-year-old son were shot and killed in their home on Friday Mmako Mophiring says a mother and her two sons were inside their four-bedroom house when they heard a knock on the door Mophiring says two unknown men walked into the house Mophiring says the younger son reportedly heard gunshots and fled the house police found two bodies in the bedroom with gunshots to their heads A fourth suspect has been arrested in connection with the killing of two police officers from Qwaqwa in the eastern Free State Constables Sipho Mohapi and Gedione Motloung of Namahadi Visible Policing in Qwaqwa were fatally shot while responding to a house robbery in Phuthaditjhaba was arrested in Mangaung village in Qwaqwa yesterday Hawks spokesperson Katlego Mogale says the other three accused including one Lesotho national have already appeared in court for the murders of the two police officers house robbery and possession of unlicenced firearm Authorities have commended communities for assisting the investigating team in bringing forward the perpetrators to face the mighty arm of the law #sapsHAWKS [UPDATE] A fourth suspect, aged 29, was arrested in connection with the alleged killing of Constable Sipho Mohapi and Constable Gedione Motloung of Namahadi Visible Policing. Both officers were fatally shot while responding to a house robbery in Phuthaditjhaba on… pic.twitter.com/dZuVO0sSLu — SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) January 21, 2025 Please check your email and enter your one time pin below:   Open in Gmail Sorry there was an error loading the audio Two villages outside Phuthaditjhaba in QwaQwa are located about three kilometres from the Metsimatsho Dam And yet they have not had tap water for 15 years A pipeline from the Metsimatsho Dam to Makwane, 10km to the north, runs right through Jwala Boholo and Qoqolosing villages, but their water supply is meant to come from a reservoir filled by a different dam, the Fika-Patso Dam, more than 30km away. However, for the past 15 years, say the villagers, their standpipes have been dry.advertisementDon't want to see this? Remove ads Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality spokesperson Tebogo Radebe blamed the lack of water on illegal connections to the pipeline from Fika-Patso that “have significantly reduced the amount of water reaching the reservoir which in turn affects the water supply to the community” She said a new pipeline was being constructed to the Qoqolosing reservoir “which will greatly benefit the people of Jwala Boholo once completed” Women fetch water at a spring in Qoqolosing the municipality supplies water via trucks They said water had not been delivered since before the election in May Villagers say they last had water in their standpipes in 2008, and they have been protesting about the situation for years. They suspect corruption with water truck tenders as the reason things have stayed this way for so long.advertisementDon't want to see this? Remove ads Mokoena Mpatua said she was arrested in 2018 during a water protest “It hurts that one went to jail for fighting for the truth,” she said First published by GroundUp var d=document,w="https://tally.so/widgets/embed.js",v=function(){"undefined"!=typeof Tally?Tally.loadEmbeds():d.querySelectorAll("iframe[data-tally-src]:not([src])").forEach((function(e){e.src=e.dataset.tallySrc}))};if("undefined"!=typeof Tally)v();else if(d.querySelector('script[src="'+w+'"]')==null){var s=d.createElement("script");s.src=w,s.onload=v,s.onerror=v,d.body.appendChild(s);} This is the most appalling manner to (ill)treat the poorest of the poor Where is SANCO when such basic service delivery failures are so profound and socially devastating ' + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.webview_notification_text + ' " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_title + " " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_text + " South Africa (15 January 2024) — In the Free State’s Phuthaditjhaba where unemployment and poverty can be seen in great numbers a commitment to community and farm gardens are making a difference This town is the seat of the Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality near Harrismith It’s home to more than 300,000 residents and they leave,” shares one of the community heroes Phillimon adds that the area does have land going for it and through establishing farm garden projects there is the opportunity to circulate money in the community “We are trying to build something for ourselves Phillimon helps operate seven small-scale farm gardens with 35 being employed by the Social Employment Fund and the remaining 40 working on a volunteer basis The SEF (which falls within the Presidential Employment Stimulus) is a big part of the farm gardens’ success as it helps people not only undertake projects for the common good but also helps them receive a minimum wage Teaming up with the projects are the African Conservation Trust —an organisation dedicated to alleviating food insecurity—who have taken this mission amongst others under their wing as part of their Free State Food Security Initiative every bit of help to build their community from the literal ground up having the African Conservation Trust’s helping hands means that there’s more knowledge accessible (permaculture principles seed saving techniques and other Agro-Ecological Farming Practices) and I was paying them with the SEF stipend money I was getting myself and we sold the surplus produce so I could pay them,” Matsae who was a SEF programme participant herself once and now the vegetables are also beginning their production phase into other products kale juices and even gummy bears (made with honey) Not only are they uplifting their community with work and food but they’re also using proceeds to donate to other elements of their social ecosystem child-headed households and other vulnerable sectors are all helped out where possible “Small-scale farming is beneficial to impoverished homesteads and communities because participants see the value added to their household income Although they might not sell their household produce and it is all consumed by their families; through our projects and community engagement It is conceivable that a homestead can grow R1500 worth of monthly consumption crops,” Carl Grossmann The growing success in this town is just another case in point that when the community comes together the ripple effect of good becomes unavoidable Ashleigh Nefdt is a writer for Good Things Guy Ashleigh's favourite stories have always seen the hidden hero (without the cape) come to the rescue her labour of love is finding those everyday heroes and spotlighting their spark - especially those empowering women sustainability shakers and creatives with hearts of gold she's dedicated to her canvas or appreciating Mother Nature Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id" "a6513cd8df57874720f5a6e5b13ea417" );document.getElementById("d2d9e305b5").setAttribute( "id" Would you like to receive truly phenomenal inspirational and good thing stories right to your inbox Then subscribe to our weekly GoodThingsGuy newsletter today I accept GTG’s Privacy Policy GoodThingsGuy is the home of everything good and those are the things that really matter We believe that there is good news all around us and over 1 million readers a month agree with us GoodThingsGuy was officially launched on the 1 August 2015 in order to only promote good news inspirational stories and promote only positive multi-platform media company that distills unique content across multiple media platforms We consider individual and corporate contributions through the website or mail us directly here. Be sure you have your GPS enabled and try again A 2021 survey amongst safety representatives of 168 farmers’ associations in the Free State Agriculture found that livestock theft is the biggest crime threat in rural areas Up-and-coming farmers from Phuthaditjhaba in the Free State are being held “hostage” by stock thieves with very little or no support from the police This is the view of Free State Agriculture (FSA) and the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (RPO) following a farmers’ imbizo was attended by William Bulwane and Thembeni Nxangisa FSA safety risk analyst Dr Jane Buys and Nico Buys chairperson of the RPO’s Free State branch were also present alongside top police and municipal officials and traditional leaders During the imbizo the so-called “anti-stock theft patrollers” who were assisting the police in Phuthaditjhaba complained that they did not have sufficient tools nor resources to carry out their activities According to Nico the farmers were very dissatisfied with the service delivery of the police and also the stock theft unit little to no feedback on cases and that many suspected criminals operated from Lesotho and weren’t being arrested Jane adds that commercial farmers shares the same frustrations and unhappiness as up-and-coming and subsistence farmers regarding livestock theft that has only been escalating in the Free State for years The QwaQwa area falls under the border area and is considered a high-crime area for livestock theft “The fact that livestock theft is escalating and that there are no definite strategies and plans in place by the police to combat it effectively could possibly indicate that police involvement in the crime is greater than initially suspected,” says Jane Both FSA and the RPO have written to provincial and national police structures for many years about staff shortages at stock theft units as well as limited vehicles and other equipment there are also capacity problems at stations on the border between Lesotho and South Africa Bulwane undertook to make two vehicles available for the patrollers to meet with their counterparts in Lesotho within a month Another issue to address is CCTV cameras in the border area to address stock theft that have already been paid for but have not yet been installed “FSA and the RPO hope that the undertaking of the MEC will not be empty promises but that it will result in a tangible outcome for the agricultural sector in the area,” says Nico ALSO READ: Farmer 101: Dealing with crop damage, livestock theft Sign up for Mzansi Today: Your daily take on the news and happenings from the agriculture value chain This week's agricultural events include Food For Mzansi's Nampo Bothaville lunchtime conversations Deloitte's conversation with agricultural experts With 21 global awards in the first six years of its existence Food For Mzansi is much more than an agriculture publication unashamedly saluting the unsung heroes of South African agriculture We believe in the power of agriculture to promote nation building and social cohesion by telling stories that are often overlooked by broader society Contact usOffice: +27 21 879 1824News: info@foodformzansi.co.zaAdvertising: sales@foodformzansi.co.za A commitment has been made to reform factories in the Phuthaditjhaba Industrial Park with the aim of fighting the high rate of unemployment in the area The MEC responsible for the Department of Economic Tourism and Environmental Affairs (Destea) announced that the 10 factories based in Qwaqwa have the potential to create over 500 new jobs The factories in question already have a number of new clothing and textile industrialists who have applied to locate in the Industrial Park “The provision of both financial and non-financial support to SMMEs by the department remains key towards achieving economic growth ALSO READ: Free State Destea to outline financial plans for 2023/24 The Free State Development Cooperation (FDC) spent over R2.7 million in rental incentives at its Industrial Parks and over 25 SMMEs benefitted from this incentive Meeko explained that the department has concluded a partnership with Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality and the Department of Small Business Development to establish an SMME Hub which will benefit 16 enterprises in Ward 6 in Mangaung “The construction of this facility is well under way and we estimate that it will be completed in the current financial year,” said Meeko ALSO READ: New Free State MEC calls for strong relations with municipalities he said the FDC has been working with various public and private partners on training youth on various skills relevant for the economy as an attempt to fight the high rate of unemployment “3 520 participants have benefitted from a total investment of R59 million will roll out 12-month skills programmes focusing on areas with high employment absorption potential The estimated investment in these programmes over the next five years is R500 million.” ALSO READ: Special economic zone to rescue Maluti-a-Phofung the Maluting-a-Phofung Special Economic Zone (MAPSEZ) has created a lucrative investment pipeline of 12 investors in various sectors It was explained that the pipeline has an estimated value of R2.8 billion and includes two investors whose applications are at an advanced stage and anticipates an additional 120 in the short term there are also 1 110 jobs created by the existing FDC tenants who will be migrate to the SEZ soon.” The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality has slammed those responsible for keeping the industrial park in Botshabelo operating The party has alleged that during their oversight visit they noticed that many of the industries have closed – and this could mean that many people have lost their jobs “This area has now turned into a crime hotspot creating safety concerns for the community Residents who commute through the area live in fear of being assaulted The DA will urge the SAPS to assist the community by increasing visibility in the area The safety of the community should be prioritised the community should also be encouraged to report any suspicious activities or individuals to the authorities This will help in identifying and apprehending potential criminals.” OFM News Pasgemaakte sonkragoplossing van Eco Trades Kanadese sjokoholiste dankbaar oor tariefsystap Ramaphosa vra dringende, nuwe handelsooreenkoms met VSA Veranderinge aan arbeidswetgewing aangekondig Hoe besighede elektrisiteitskoste kan verminder met Eco Trades Catherine Khau from the Sernick Group Emerging Farmers Programme with some of the learners attending the Agri Career Day in Phuthaditjhaba in the Free State is the only way to describe the first stop in the Agri Career Roadshow reaching up to 10 000 learners over the next four weeks Nearly 500 Phuthaditjhaba high school learners attended the career day held at Seotlong Agricultural and Hotel School in the Free State on Monday and nine other companies will exhibit at the Reitz High School where 800 learners from six different schools are confirmed to attend says the career day opened his eyes to the immense study and career opportunities within the agricultural field Our daily routine is all about agriculture.” who represents Bayer as a sales representative in the Free State describing the VKB Food For Mzansi Agri Career Roadshow as a crucial initiative It’s giving exposure to the learners in the agriculture industry and it also opens up their minds and exposes them to different careers that is not only limited to farming.” who is also the chairperson of SAATA (the South African Agricultural Teaching Association) congratulated the organisers on the bold initiative The roadshow also stops at Wilgerivier High School in Frankfort on Wednesday and Kroonstad High School in Kroonstad on Thursday Seotlong’s agricultural head of department and farm manager says thanks to the career day his learners are now better equipped for the future offers specialised agricultural training with learners gaining daily practical experience in egg production Amongst the exhibitors count the University of the Free State who introduced learners to their academic offering in the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Agricultural Sciences encouraged learners to excel academically to increase their chances of university acceptance The Sernick Group was represented by Tebogo Molele and Catherine Khau who shared their love of the land as well as information on opportunities within the leading group The Answer Educational Publishers and Food For Mzansi 10h00 – 11h00          Cookhouse Secondary School 12h00 – 14h00          Aeroville Secondary School 15h00 – 17h00          Somerset East Youth Center 09h00 – 10h00          Pearston Secondary School 11h00 – 13h00          Spandau Secondary School 16h00 – 18h00          Union High School Hall 10h00 – 11h00          Jansenville Secondary School 12h30 – 14h00          Carel du Toit Secondary School 15h30 – 17h30          Willowmore Secondary School the revitalisation included the upgrading of security infrastructure including fencing installation of CCTV cameras and control room as well as the refurbishment of high mast lights This initiative is part of the dti’s Revitalisation of Industrial Parks Programme which aims to revitalise state-owned industrial parks across the country in order to promote industrialisation and increase their contribution to job creation and the country’s economic growth the programme is also in line with the department’s economic transformation initiatives aimed at ensuring that all regions of the country and enterprises based there participate meaningfully in the mainstream economy The deputy director-general of the Special Economic Zones and Economic Transformation division at the dti said the handover marks an important milestone in the implementation of the revitalisation programme “We are witnessing the fruits of the importance of collaboration and using the expertise available in government and its affiliates The Industrial Parks and the dti have collaborated with the Development Bank of Southern Africa the Free State Provincial government as well as the Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality “We are looking forward to the next milestone when the national and provincial political leaders launch the park officially we will be embarking on the second phase of the revitalisation programme,” said Zikode He expressed confidence that the revitalised park will attract more local entrepreneurs to set up their operations in the park because of the good infrastructure and security that the park is now providing the CEO of the Free State Development Corporation (FDC) said the upgrading would have a positive impact on the park and the surrounding areas in that it will attract more investors who will contribute in creating jobs for the local people The companies manufacture various products including textile and clothing “Currently the park’s occupancy rate stands at 66% and we expect this to improve the upgrading of the infrastructure means that we will have happy businesspeople in the park,” said Osman He said their investment rate will increase “That will bode well for the park and the economy of the Phuthaditjhaba area in particular and that of the province in general.” SAnews.gov.za is a South African government news service published by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) SAnews.gov.za (formerly BuaNews) was established to provide quick and easy access to articles and feature stories aimed at keeping the public informed about the implementation of government mandates The residents of several areas in the municipality of Maluti-a-Phofung (MAP) in the Free State expressed concern that the dignity of their communities is reducing day by day due to litter and sewage in the streets Every corner of Setsing in Qwaqwa "has the smell of urine and faeces while pieces of broken alcohol bottles are strewn around" Access to public toilets is available for a small fee where illegal dumping sites have been created on every street corner Some streets are even being closed by the small mountains of garbage making it difficult for motorists to drive in the streets It is a challenge when the ambulances have to pick up a patient to take to a health facility pointed out that it is not only the municipality’s responsibility to ensure specified areas are kept clean keep a place clean and avoid urinating everywhere they want." Kessah responded to concerns voiced by the Democratic Alliance about rats and mice found at businesses and homes in Kestell and Tlholong The party warned that rodents carry diseases and spread fleas A local doctor warned that filthy areas have potentially toxic gases that could cause damage to the lungs of humans and that the smell of urine could lead people OFM News/Tumelo Khotha