Free STATE News ROOM

28/08/2026

Yes, it's correct.

Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Deputy Chief *Julius Mkhwanazi* was arrested again *yesterday, Thursday 27 August* - while he was already in custody at Brakpan court.

What's new

- IPID served him with his *5th arrest warrant* inside the holding cells.
- This one is for the *blue lights saga* - he allegedly approved blue lights to be fitted to 4 luxury vehicles linked to Vusimuzi *'Cat' Matlala* (2 BMWs, a Mercedes-Benz and a VW). The cars were irregularly registered as City of Ekurhuleni vehicles.
- He is facing *fraud and corruption* charges for that. 43d0

Today, Friday
He is expected to appear in the *Germiston Magistrate's Court- two cases:
1. With former City Manager Imogen Mashazi and others for stopping disciplinary action against him
2. With 'Cat' Matlala for the fresh blue lights fraud/corruption charge 7a7c

This is separate from the 2022 murder case of Emmanuel Mbense that he is also in custody for.

He was moved to Benoni police station last night to be kept there before court today.

28/08/2026

Here is a ready post you can share on Facebook / WhatsApp groups. Just add the photo and car details:

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*🚨 PLEASE SHARE - STOLEN VEHICLE 🚨*

The vehicle in the photo below was *STOLEN this morning around 03:00 AM in FOURIESBURG.*

If you have seen it or have any information, please help:

📞 Report to your nearest Police Station
📞 Call SAPS Crime Stop: *08600 10111*
📩 Or inbox us with information - your identity will be kept confidential.

Please share, your share can help us find it!



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Send me:
1. The photo of the vehicle
2. Car Make / Model / Color / Registration number

I will add it for you and make it in Sesotho as well for local groups.

27/08/2026

MATWABENG YOUTH TO HOLD PRAYER SESSION AFTER SPATE OF FATAL ACCIDENTS ON R707

By Innocent Mkwanazi

SENEKAL –Youth from Matwabeng have organized a prayer session for this coming Friday following a series of fatal accidents that have claimed several young lives, including members of the Sehlabi family.

The call for prayer comes after former Setsoto Municipality Councillor, Mr Sehlabi, was involved in a serious accident five weeks ago on the R707 road between Arlington and Senekal.

Tragically, just two weeks ago, his two nephews died in a separate car accident on the same stretch of road.

The R707 between Arlington and Senekal has become a cause for concern among residents, with multiple fatal accidents reported in recent weeks.

The youth said the prayer session is aimed at seeking divine intervention, praying for protection for road users and bringing comfort to grieving families.

A community leader Mr Lebona Mofolo invited the community is invited to join the prayer.

details regarding the time and venue on the poster

26/08/2026

26/08/2026

Sesotho news delivering

26/08/2026

MORE THAN 100 STOLEN BICYCLES RECOVERED BY POLICE IN BETHLEHEM

BETHLEHEM – More than 100 bicycles have been recovered by police at a house in Mokhoza Street, Bethlehem, on Friday last week.

According to police, the recovery follows a tip-off from members of the community.

Police spokesperson confirmed that the bicycles were found at a house in Bohlokong during an operation. The suspect who was found at the house has been arrested.

So far, police do not have a clear motive as to why such a large number of bicycles were being kept at the premises. Further investigations are continuing.

Police are now calling on anyone who has lost or had their bicycle stolen to come forward and visit the Bohlokong Police Station to identify their property.

The police have thanked the community for providing information that led to the successful operation.

26/08/2026

FOUR FICKSBURG GANG MEMBERS SENTENCED TO LONG PRISON TERMS

By News reporter

FICKSBURG – Four members of the notorious Zone 8 Meqheleng gang, known as 'SVK', have been handed lengthy prison sentences by the Ficksburg Magistrate’s Court for a series of violent crimes committed between July 2018 and August 2019.

The court found that the gang was responsible for the murder of Khathatsi Mohale (32) and Tebello Isaac Phali (33), as well as assaulting patrons at a local tavern, stabbing a woman, assaulting victims with a sjambok, and robbing them of their belongings.

The four accused were arrested in August 2019 and remained in custody throughout the trial after bail was successfully opposed by the state.

Sentences were handed down on 2 July 2026 as follows:

Mojalefa George Mojakisane (29) 27 years direct imprisonment for two counts of murder, robbery, five counts of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and theft.

Kamohelo Letokoto (31)18 years direct imprisonment for murder, robbery, two counts of assault, and theft.

Motlalepula Klaas (30)18 years direct imprisonment for murder, robbery, two counts of assault, and theft.

Nthodi Derek Moipatli (30)18 years direct imprisonment for murder, robbery, two counts of assault, and theft.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the sentences, saying it sends a strong message that gang-related violence and violent crimes will not be tolerated in communities.

26/08/2026

SETSOTO MAYOR WELCOMES NEW CLICKS PHARMACY IN SENEKAL, HAILS JOB CREATION

By : Innocent Mkwanazi

SENEKAL –Setsoto Local Municipality Executive Mayor, Cllr Seipati Mbiwe, was part of the official opening of the new Clicks Pharmacy in Senekal.

The new store, which officially opened at Shop No. 07, Voortrekker Street in Senekal, will be bringing trusted health, beauty and lifestyle products along with great value and friendly service to the community.

Speaking at the opening, Mayor Mbiwe said she is very happy for the opportunity the new store brings, especially for youth employment. The store is expected to create employment for more than 8 people from the local community.

"This is a welcome investment for Senekal. It not only improves access to quality health and pharmacy services for our people but also contributes directly to job creation for our youth," said Mayor Mbiwe.

The Executive Mayor congratulated Clicks and wished the store success, urging the community of Senekal to support the new business.

25/08/2026

KING MSWATI HOSTS ANNUAL UMHLANGA REED DANCE, THOUSANDS OF MAIDENS ARRIVE AT LUDZIDZINI

By Innocent Mkwanazi
25 August 2026

LOBAMBA –His Majesty King Mswati III is hosting the annual Umhlanga (Reed Dance) Ceremony.

Thousands of young Swazi maidens started arriving at the Ludzidzini Royal Village on Tuesday ahead of the main event, which is expected to attract scores of tourists and international visitors.

The Umhlanga Reed Dance is one of Eswatini’s most celebrated cultural events, where tens of thousands of maidens present reeds to Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Ntfombi Tfwala, for the refurbishment of the Queen Mother’s residence.

The ceremony showcases and preserves Swazi culture, promoting purity and pride among young women.

Security has been tightened around Ludzidzini, with traffic expected to increase as more maidens and visitors continue to arrive during the week.

The official dates for the main day presentation to His Majesty are expected to be announced by the Ministry.

25/08/2026

BODIES OF TWO MISSING QWAQWA HUNTERS FOUND

QWAQWA – Police in Qwaqwa have confirmed that the bodies of two hunters who were reported missing have been found at Sephokong Mountain.

The deceased have been identified as Sello Khala and Fana Nale, both from Lusaka Village in Qwaqwa.

The men went missing on Sunday, 09 August 2026, after embarking on a hunting trip at Hatsoanyana Farm with friends. A search and rescue operation was immediately launched to locate them.

According to police, the group became separated while traversing Sephokong Mountain due to dense misty weather conditions.

"One friend managed to navigate his way back home safely, but Khala and Nale failed to return," said Police Spokesperson Mahlomola Kareli.

On Friday, 14 August 2026 at around 12:30, search teams located the body of 38-year-old Jerry Khala (Sello Khala) on the mountain.

On Monday, 24 August 2026, the body of 22-year-old Lefa Nale (Fana Nale) was also found.

Post-mortems will be conducted to determine the cause of death. Police have urged community members to exercise caution when hiking or hunting in mountainous areas, especially during adverse weather conditions.

Police investigations continue. Statement from the police