Marti Will
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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.
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The Theunissen regional court has sentenced Matebesi Papikie Bambiso (40) to life imprisonment for rape.
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The Democratic Alliance has attributed low attendance at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Freedom Day address in the Free State to what it described as widespread public distrust in the ANC.
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A marathon athlete from Welkom in the Free State finished first among South African runners in the Boston Marathon on 20 April.
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Severe thunderstorms have impacted the Goldfields since Friday, bringing nearly 100 mm of rain to areas like Welkom and Odendaalsrus. The South African Weather Service issued yellow level warnings for heavy rain and damaging winds. The storms caused significant damage, uprooting trees and blowing off roofs, leaving residents alarmed.
