BLOEMFONTEIN – The police in the Free State have welcomed a series of significant convictions and heavy sentences. These were handed down by various courts across the province between October and December 2025.
This is part of the efforts made by members throughout the province, as projected in the third quarter 2024-’25 crime reporting period.
Crime statistics for the last quarter of 2025 was announced on Tuesday 3 March. One of the recent successes, were charges that was brought against suspects on drug related charges.
Suspects were arrested on charges of dealing in drugs in the Free State police’s Anti-Gang Unit’s mission to dismantle criminal networks.
On Monday 2 March, around 16:00, routine duties in Navalsig led to a bakkie matching the description of a vehicle allegedly used for drug distribution. A firearm was found and a suspect arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm.
On Tuesday around 20:00, the Anti-Gang unit searched a residence in Kopanong and found a large quantity of illicit substances, including Mandrax tablets and crystal meth with an estimated street value of R65 000, and cash suspected to be proceeds of crime. Two suspects were arrested on charges of dealing in drugs.
Maj. Gen. Apaphia Modise, acting provincial commissioner, said on Monday successful prosecutions underscore the police’s unwavering commitment to removing dangerous criminals from society and securing justice for victims of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), farm attacks, and crimes against children.
The province’s hard stance against domestic violence:
- Bloemspruit: Itumeleng Pieter Matema (38) was sentenced to 22 years’ imprisonment for the September 2024 shooting of his wife, Puseletso Bokale, and their infant son.
- Clocolan: Motsamai Justice Mosiuoa (35) was sentenced to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of Analisa Heleni (25), whom he battered to death against a concrete slab.
- Sonskyn: Steven Songezo Jakane (43) received life imprisonment for the murder of Judith Moalosi (41).
- Bothaville: Abel Khidi Stheiso (36) was sentenced to 23 years for stabbing his ex-girlfriend eight times in front of their children.
- Henneman: Sabata Isaac Masa (37) was sentenced to 23 years for the sexual assault and hacking murder of Palesa Suzan Katane with a garden spade.
In protection of the vulnerable and child predators:
- Welkom: A 58-year-old lawyer and stepfather received three life sentences plus 47 years for 16 counts of sexual offenses against five minor children.
- Meloding: A pastor, Sabata Mariti (41), was sentenced to 55 years for the rape of three young girls.
- Ficksburg: A 45-year-old man was sentenced to life imprisonment for the rape of his six-year-old daughter.
- Grootvlei Correctional Centre: A 57-year-old inmate was sentenced to life imprisonment for the rape of a fellow inmate.
Combating crime on farming communities:
- Viljoenskroon: William Sejane and Lucky Motaung received life imprisonment for the 2020 murder of Dave Wessels.
- Glen: Two men were handed down life sentences for the brutal murder and robbery of an elderly couple.
- Heilbron: Following a farm attack where a worker was killed and his wife assaulted, the police and farming community apprehended 13 suspects within hours. Stolen livestock and firearms were recovered.
Crackdown on gangs and organised crime:
- Henneman: Two members of the DK Gang, Lebogang Chaka and Karabo Masilo, received multiple life terms for a 2020 home invasion involving murder and rape.
- Mangaung: A 55-year-old suspected serial rapist linked to cold cases spanning 20 years, was apprehended after being chased by community members following a fresh attack.
- Bogus police syndicate: Four individuals were sentenced for an extortion “lost phone” scam where they impersonated officers to kidnap and extort victims.
Drugs and illicit revenue as part of Operation Shanela:
- Wepener: Ammunition and dagga worth R780 000 were seized on a farm.
- Parkweg: Drugs worth R200 000 and cash was seized by the Anti-Gang Unit.
- Illicit cigarettes: Significant hauls worth R277 000 (at Parkweg) and R218 000 (in Viljoensdrift) were intercepted at checkpoints.
- Railway infrastructure: A Zimbabwean national, Christmas Nyamukanza, was sentenced to 15 years for damaging essential infrastructure in Petrus Steyn.
The MEC Jabu Mbalula reaffirmed the province’s firm stance on GBVF, stating: “GBV is not a private pain; it is public violence and it demands system discipline.” The police has committed to driving compliance through the Provincial GBV Desk, ensuring strict adherence to the Domestic Violence Act. This includes ensuring all victim-friendly rooms at police stations are fully functional and provide a dignified environment for survivors.
Rural safety remains a high priority. Following a successful two-day integrated operation in Thaba Nchu involving the Department of Home Affairs, Department of Employment and Labour, and traditional leadership, the province is intensifying its response to threats such as rural murders, stock theft and undocumented individuals and criminal networks.
You must be logged in to post a comment.