Latest news with #BloemfonteinCourant
The Citizen
30-05-2025
- The Citizen
Olorato Mongale murder case: Suspect killed in police shooting in Amanzimtoti
Police have confirmed that the main suspect in the Olorato Mongale murder case was found by SAPS hiding at a residential complex in Amanzimtoti. 'When police announced their arrival, he shot at police. Police returned fire and he was fatally wounded,' said SAPS. Bloemfontein Courant reports that Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that two suspects are in police custody. 'The father is the owner of the VW Polo, while the mother is believed to have tipped off the son that police are at the parents' house looking for him. This action by the mother enabled the son to evade arrest on Wednesday evening. When police arrived in Inanda, where he stays, he had already left,' she said. No further information was available at the time of publishing. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
29-05-2025
- The Citizen
Bloemfontein mourns Olorato Mongale as police hunt murder suspects
A memorial service is being held today in Bloemfontein for 30-year-old Olorato Mongale, whose brutal murder in Gauteng has sparked national outrage and a growing search for her alleged killers. According to Bloemfontein Courant, the service takes place at Mahube Tumelo Hall in Hamilton and started at 12:00, where family, friends, and community members are gathered to honour the life of a woman described as hardworking, driven, and full of promise. Olorato was originally from Bloemfontein and previously worked as a communications officer at the Free State Department of Economic Development and Tourism between 2020 and 2022. She had relocated to Johannesburg for work opportunities, but her roots remained deeply tied to the province. Her tragic death has not only devastated those who knew her personally, but has also reignited public calls for urgent action to combat gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa. Timeline of the case: Sunday: Olorato was picked up from her residential complex in Athol, Johannesburg, by a man driving a white VW Polo with a cloned number plate (LT 57 JG GP). The man took her through Alexandra and Kew, before she was murdered, allegedly between Alexandra and Lombardy West. Later that afternoon, her body was found with the assistance of community members. Her phone and handbag were recovered nearby on 9th Road in Kew. SAPS initially warned the public to be on the lookout for the vehicle and a suspect known only as 'John'. Vehicle recovered in Durban This week, a breakthrough came when police found the white VW Polo at a panel beater in Phoenix, Durban. Traces of blood were discovered inside, and the registered owner of the vehicle – an elderly man – was arrested. Police are now searching for three suspects: Fezile Ngubane, Philangenkosi Sibongokuhle Makhanya, and Bongani Mthimkhulu (recently added to the wanted list). According to the police, all three are believed to have played a role in Olorato's murder. 'They are considered to be dangerous and members of the public are cautioned not to come near them,' said national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe. Anyone with information is urged to contact Brigadier Nama on 082 778 9035. Premier condemns murder Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae has expressed her condolences to the Mongale family and condemned the killing in the strongest terms. 'We are deeply hurt by what is happening to our women and girl children,' she said. 'We will not give up the fight against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) and ensure that justice is served to the victims and survivors.' She described Mongale as a dedicated public servant and called for 'all hands on deck' in fighting the GBVF pandemic. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
17-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Police deaths: Crisis sparks debate on criminal justice reform
Police deaths remain a pressing challenge in the country, with incidents involving the deaths of SAPS members steadily increasing over the years. According to Bloemfontein Courant, this not only raises concerns about the safety and well-being of those who serve and protect the public but also highlights broader issues within the country's criminal justice system. While speaking at the memorial service of the police officers who were found in the Hennops River in Centurion days after they were reported missing, Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union Free State chairperson Thabo Lefalatsa highlighted the serious issue, calling for a review of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977. 'There is a serious need for us as a country and parliamentarians to review the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, in particular Section 49 of that act. We have issued members of the South African Police Service with firearms to effectively deal with criminals. As long as we have Section 49 in its current format, we cannot effectively respond to the heinous crimes confronting our members.' Lefalatsa also called on community members to assist police in effectively combating crime and ensuring safety. Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu addressed the issue last week at the funeral of Constable Boipelo Senoge, one of the three officers who were laid to rest. Mchunu described it as a crisis that endangers both community safety and the integrity of South Africa's justice system, condemning the brutal acts that have led to the deaths of police officers across the country. 'As we reflect on this tragic loss, we must also acknowledge the ever-present challenges we face. To fight crime effectively, we need every one of our members. Families and communities are the ones who suffer most from the agony caused by criminals, whether these criminals are South African or foreign nationals,' he said. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
06-05-2025
- The Citizen
Baby and toddler burnt beyond recognition: Free State parents arrested
A couple from the Petsana informal settlement in Reitz in the Free State has been arrested following a tragic shack fire that claimed the lives of their two young children. Bloemfontein Courant reports that the victims, a seven-month-old girl and an 18-month-old boy, were burnt beyond recognition after being left alone in their home while their parents, aged 23 and 25, allegedly went out drinking on Saturday night. According to police, the fire broke out at approximately 22:45. While at a local tavern, the couple was alerted by a community member that their shack was ablaze. They rushed home, only to find emergency services and distraught residents already on the scene. It was allegedly only then that they realised their children had been left behind. Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring confirmed the arrests. 'The parents allegedly left the children unattended in the shack while they went out drinking. This gross negligence led to a devastating outcome. The children were found burnt beyond recognition.' The cause of the fire is under investigation. Police have opened an inquest and a case of child neglect. The couple is expected to appear in the Reitz Magistrate's Court today. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
