The Article Newspaper

The Article Newspaper Your go-to source for reliable and engaging news in the Free State. We deliver timely coverage on local events, politics, business, sports, and more.

Stay connected, stay informed, and experience news with a fresh perspective. The Article is an online newspaper and your go-to source for the latest news and stories in the Free State. We offer timely updates, engaging community features and in-depth insights to keep you informed and connected.

Operation Basadi Nabs Suspected Drug Dealer in Welkom CBDA routine Operation Basadi crime prevention initiative in Welko...
09/08/2025

Operation Basadi Nabs Suspected Drug Dealer in Welkom CBD

A routine Operation Basadi crime prevention initiative in Welkom has led to the arrest of a 37-year-old foreign national after drugs with an estimated street value of R20 000 were discovered in his vehicle.

According to police, the arrest took place on Friday, 8 August 2025, after Lt Col Sello and her team acted on information about an African male allegedly selling drugs from his car. The suspect’s vehicle was spotted parked in the Welkom CBD, prompting the activation of the Welkom K9 Unit.

Police say the suspect resisted at first, but a search of the vehicle was eventually conducted. Officers found a black plastic bag containing 46 grams of crystal m**h, 34 rocks of co***ne, and 19 mandrax tablets. They also seized R1 500 in cash and a white Volkswagen Polo.

The man was taken into custody and is expected to appear before the Welkom Magistrate’s Court soon on charges of drug possession.

News: Crackdown in Theunissen: 11 Undocumented Foreign Nationals Nabbed in Joint OperationA calm Sunday morning in Theun...
04/08/2025

News: Crackdown in Theunissen: 11 Undocumented Foreign Nationals Nabbed in Joint Operation

A calm Sunday morning in Theunissen turned tense as law enforcement officers, in a coordinated blitz, swooped down on suspected illegal activity—resulting in the arrest of 11 undocumented foreign nationals.

The operation, held on 3 August 2025, was led by the Vala Umgodi Combat and Proactive units in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs. The joint effort aimed to curb illegal immigration, illicit mining, and other related crimes in the region.

Authorities kicked off the operation with a roadblock along the R30 near Theunissen. It was during this checkpoint that officers intercepted a taxi and a private vehicle carrying six women between the ages of 29 and 44. Upon inspection, it was discovered that none of them possessed valid documentation permitting them to be in the country.

The operation then extended into Theunissen’s central business district (CBD), where a targeted raid on foreign-owned shops led to five more arrests. The individuals, also found without proper papers, were taken into custody.

A total of 17 people were initially questioned during the day-long operation. Six were later released after producing valid documents confirming their legal presence in South Africa.

The 11 who remained in custody now face charges under the Immigration Act and are expected to appear before the Theunissen Magistrate’s Court in the coming days.

The operation is part of a broader campaign to combat illegal mining and ensure compliance with South Africa’s immigration laws.



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04/08/2025

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28/07/2025

MATJHABENG LOCAL MUNICIPALITY
WATER SUPPLY UPDATE
VENTERSBURG & MMAMAHABANE HENNENMAN & PHOMOLONG
28 JULY 2025

Dear Residents,

Early this morning, the Vaal Central Water (VCW) team conducted an investigation to determine why the Koppie High-Level Reservoirs were not filling as expected.

It was discovered that there was a flow restriction from the De Erf KSB pump.
We are pleased to report that the issue has now been resolved, and the pump is delivering an adequate flow.

Pressure within the system is expected to improve gradually throughout the day.
As a result of this delay, water supply to Hennenman and Phomolong will now be restored tomorrow morning.

Meanwhile, Ventersburg and Mmamahabane remain on track for restoration tonight.

The system is being monitored closely to ensure steady progress.

This notice is issued based on official feedback received from Vaal Central Water.

Issued by: Matjhabeng Local Municipality
Mmoho | Together | Sisonke | Tesame

News: R150 Million Salary Scandal Rocks Matjhabeng MunicipalityThe Matjhabeng Local Municipality is once again in the sp...
28/07/2025

News: R150 Million Salary Scandal Rocks Matjhabeng Municipality

The Matjhabeng Local Municipality is once again in the spotlight following shocking revelations of inflated EPWP salaries and misuse of public funds amounting to over R150 million.

According to Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson, the EPWP budget for Matjhabeng has been suspended after it was discovered that politically connected individuals, including former councillors, were earning over R30,000 per month—far above the standard EPWP stipend meant for short-term work opportunities.

The municipality, which has been under provincial administration since February 2025 due to financial mismanagement, is also battling massive debts to Eskom and the Vaal Central Water Board.

Investigations are underway, and the Department of Public Works has promised accountability. Community and political groups have called for a full forensic audit and criminal charges against those involved.

Concern Mounts Over Missing Thabong Woman Last Seen at Oppenheimer ParkFamily members are growing increasingly worried a...
26/07/2025

Concern Mounts Over Missing Thabong Woman Last Seen at Oppenheimer Park

Family members are growing increasingly worried about the safety of 26-year-old Diteboho Augustina Taba, who has not been seen or heard from since Sunday, 13 July 2025.

According to police, Taba reportedly told her niece that she was heading to a petrol station at Oppenheimer Park to collect money from an individual. That was the last time anyone saw or heard from her.

Thabong SAPS is now appealing to the public to come forward with any information that could help locate her.

Anyone with details on her whereabouts is urged to contact Thabong police at 082 301 2809.




25/07/2025

MATJHABENG LOCAL MUNICIPALITY
NOTICE TO RESIDENTS
UPDATE ON WATER MAINTENANCE PROGRESS
25 JULY 2025

Dear Residents,

The Matjhabeng Local Municipality wishes to provide an update on the current status of ongoing pipeline repairs, as communicated by Vaal Central Water.

Repairs on the first pipeline have been successfully completed, and pumping to the high-level reservoirs resumed at midnight (00:00).

However, on the second pipeline, the team encountered unforeseen technical challenges related to the rubber coupling required for the final leak repair. Efforts are currently underway to source the necessary material this morning, after which the remaining work will be completed.

An estimated turnaround time will be communicated once the required components are on site.

In the interim, the distribution network is being gradually refilled. As a result, some areas not normally affected by supply interruptions may begin to receive water from time to time.

We remain committed to restoring full water supply across all affected areas and sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.

This notice is issued based on official feedback received from Vaal Central Water.

Issued by:
Matjhabeng Local Municipality
Mmoho | Together | Sisonke | Tesame

News: Police Raid in Phoenix Uncovers Arsenal Linked to Alleged Gang LeaderWhat began as a community tip-off ended in a ...
25/07/2025

News: Police Raid in Phoenix Uncovers Arsenal Linked to Alleged Gang Leader

What began as a community tip-off ended in a high-stakes operation that saw police uncover a stash of illegal fi****ms and ammunition at a residence in Foresthaven, Phoenix.

Acting on intelligence received, members of the Provincial Organised Crime Unit launched a targeted operation on Swallowhaven Road on the evening of Thursday, 24 July 2025. Armed with a search warrant, officers descended on the property, where they found a 38-year-old man and a 63-year-old woman.

A thorough search of the house led police to an upstairs bedroom, where two pistols with serial numbers filed off, two additional handguns, two shotguns, and multiple rounds of ammunition were discovered hidden inside a wardrobe.

According to authorities, the weapons are believed to be linked to a well-known gang in the area known as the 'Bloods.' The home is reportedly connected to a suspected gang leader and alleged drug kingpin, who remains at large.

The recovered fi****ms will undergo forensic testing to determine if they were used in any criminal activities within the province.

The two suspects have been arrested and charged with possession of unlicensed fi****ms, possession of prohibited fi****ms, and unlawful possession of ammunition. Court proceedings are expected to begin soon.

Concern Grows Over Missing Woman Last Seen at Bloemfontein Taxi RankThe search is on for 22-year-old Noluthando Mdluli, ...
25/07/2025

Concern Grows Over Missing Woman Last Seen at Bloemfontein Taxi Rank

The search is on for 22-year-old Noluthando Mdluli, who mysteriously vanished shortly after arriving in Bloemfontein from KwaZulu-Natal last Thursday evening.

Mdluli last communicated with a friend via WhatsApp on the night of 24 July 2025, confirming that she had arrived at the Majakathata taxi rank at around 21:43. She later sent another message at 21:58 indicating she had found a cab. Her phone activity ended just after 22:00, and she has not been heard from since.

Bloemfontein police say a preliminary investigation was launched, which included checking the taxi rank and speaking to people in the area, but so far no leads have emerged.

At the time of her disappearance, Mdluli was wearing blue jeans, a blue denim jacket, and a black long-sleeved t-shirt underneath.

Authorities are now calling on the public to help with any information that could assist in locating her. Anyone with information is urged to contact Captain Sabata Moseme from the Parkweg Detectives Unit on 082 526 2713.



News: Five Months Pregnant at 15 — Welkom Man Arrested in Late-Night Police BustA late-night police operation in Riebeec...
24/07/2025

News: Five Months Pregnant at 15 — Welkom Man Arrested in Late-Night Police Bust

A late-night police operation in Riebeeckstad, Welkom led to the arrest of a 37-year-old man after officers uncovered a shocking case involving a teenage girl.

On Wednesday, 23 July 2025, around 22:30, members of Platoon 1 from the Public Order Police Unit acted on intelligence and arrived at a residence where they found a 15-year-old girl with four adult men. The girl, who does not live at the house, told officers she was visiting her boyfriend.

When asked to identify him, she pointed to a 37-year-old man who confirmed their romantic relationship. The teenager then revealed she is five months pregnant with his child. Police immediately contacted the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit and informed the girl’s parent. The man was arrested on the spot and is facing charges of statutory r**e.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to ensure the minor receives the necessary support and protection.

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24/07/2025

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24/07/2025

MATJHABENG LOCAL MUNICIPALITY
NOTICE TO RESIDENTS
WATER TANKER DISTRIBUTION SCHEDULE
24 JULY 2025

Dear Residents,

The Matjhabeng Local Municipality, in partnership with Vaal Central Water (VCW), wishes to inform residents about the water tanker distribution schedule for this morning, aimed at supporting communities currently affected by water supply interruptions.

Water tankers will be dispatched to the following areas:

-Ward 25
-Ward 14
-Ward 15
-Ward 17
-Ward 12
-Ward 13
-Welkom Clinic
-Lebogang School
-Odendaalsrus Police Station
-Goldfields Mall
-Ventersburg

Residents are kindly advised to bring their own containers and remain on standby at the designated collection points.

We thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work to provide temporary water relief to all affected areas.

For any water-related queries, please contact the Municipal Call Centre at 057 391 3911.

Issued by:
Matjhabeng Local Municipality Communications
MMOHO | TOGETHER | SISONKE | TESAME

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