Marti Will
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Gysbert Jan Maritz, a Welkom lawyer already serving three life sentences for sexual offences, once again failed to appear in court for fraud charges involving R15 million. This is attributed to paperwork issues preventing his transport from prison. His case has been rescheduled for May 14, 2025, regarding trial proceedings.
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Multiple Social Crime Prevention units and Community Policing Forum members searched 704 learners at Marematlou Secondary School in Meloding on Tuesday, 5 May 2026, as part of the ongoing Safer Schools Programme.
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Residents in Matjhabeng Local Municipality faced severe electricity outages over the Freedom Day and Workers’ Day weekend, lasting over five days in some areas. Critical services were compromised, with hospitals impacted and residents experiencing health risks. The municipality attributed the outages to infrastructure issues, weather, and vandalism, while local officials demanded urgent intervention.
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Raw sewage flows near St Helena Primary School in Welkom, posing health risks to students and obstructing access to local shops. Despite court orders and promises from municipal officials for urgent intervention, no action has occurred. Local leaders are urging higher authorities for intervention and accountability from the municipality.
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Die krisis by Thusanong Distrikshospitaal in Odendaalsrus is deel van voortdurende kragonderbrekings regoor Matjhabeng, waar inwoners reeds dae en in sommige gevalle weke lank sonder stabiele elektrisiteit sit.
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Dissatisfaction over labor allocation in the Middelpunt Solar Project has sparked unrest in Phomolong, Hennenman. Residents oppose the 60% local labor allocation, resulting in protests. The Democratic Alliance (DA) urges constructive dialogue while condemning illegal actions. They stress the project’s potential for job creation and economic benefits, calling for community engagement.
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The Free State SAPS Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit has warned that illegal hunting with dogs is a serious criminal gateway often linked to stock theft, poaching, and malicious damage to property.
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Residents in Matjhabeng Local Municipality faced prolonged electricity outages during Freedom Day and Workers’ Day weekend, with some areas without power for over 72 hours. Essential facilities like Thusanong Hospital were affected, leading to hospitalizations. The municipal strike hindered restoration efforts, prompting local leaders to seek urgent intervention and accountability from the municipality.
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The Democratic Alliance has raised alarms about the severely neglected gravel roads in Free State’s agricultural areas, citing poor maintenance and flood damage that hinder access to silos and tourism sites. Additionally, disparities in sanitation services in Maluti-A-Phofung highlight the need for equitable infrastructure access and urgent government intervention.
