Bloem Express - E-edition 18 March 2026

Wednesday, 18 March2026

Learners, school staff continuewith lessons

Gatesopendespiterisk

TEBOHO SETENA

TheMatlaPrimary School in Phase 6, Bloemfontein, hasre-opened amid parents’ graveconcerns over incompleterepair work to ensure compliancewith theOccupational Health andSafety Act(OHSA). Most learners returned to school on Monday 16 Marchafter atemporary closure on 5March duetotransgressions of health andsafety regulations

On Thursday ahandful of children attended, with parentscitingpoor communication aboutthe school re-opening. TheDepartmentof Employmentand Labour’s inspection teamenforceda prohibition notice until the Free StateDepartment of Education fullyimplementedcorrectivemeasuresaligned with healthand safetyregulations

Theinspection wasconducted on 19 February, resultinginboth contravention and prohibitionnotices beingservedtothe Departmentof Education.

TheDepartmentofLabourenforcedthe prohibition to safeguard the lives of personnel, teachingstaff and learners. This wasafter finding the conditions toorisky for continued

occupational use.

Teachingcontinuesatthe school, in parallel with repair work by the appointedcompany

Gravelyconcerned parentslamented the factthat14daysoflearning have been lost unnecessarily, blaming the DepartmentofEducation.

Twoparents, speaking anonymously,pointed outthatthe temporary closurewas avoidable

“Itisunforgivable for thedepartmenttoriskthe lives of people,failing to do the rightthing– to comply with regulations,” said the angrywoman.

Angry parentsstood forhours by the gate on Thursday,seeking an explanation aboutthe situationand arrangements for teaching andlearning to continue, while risksexisted as highlighted by the Departmentof Labour

ManelisiLuxande,provincial chief inspector,said an inspectionconducted by the Department of Labour in termsofthe OHSAuncovered serious and unacceptablenon-compliance

In astatementissued, he pointed outthatakitchen and mobile classroom were operatingwithout temperatureregulationand recording temperatures exceeding30°C.Risk factorsinclude waterleaks causing poolingaround electrical fixtures, increasing the risk of electrocution.

Teacher found guilty of concealing dark truth involving son

LIENTJIE MENTZ

A44-year-old teacher wassentenced for failingtoreporta statutoryrape case involvingaminor

SgtMahlomolaKareli, spokespersonfor the Free Statepolice,saidthe sentencingservedasa stern reminder that thosewho have alegal obligation to protectchildren, will be held accountableiftheychoosesilence

over justice.

Theconviction stems from acaseof rape that wasreportedatthe Navalsig Police Station on 15March 2022. It wasreportedthata11-year-old victim hadallegedlybeenraped in an open field duringDecember2021 while visiting herpaternalgrandfather

Theinvestigation wasspearheaded by DetectiveWO Arlene Snyman of the ParkwegFamilyViolence,Child

Protection andSexualOffences (FCS) unit,working in closecollaboration with Advocate Ronel Bothaofthe National ProsecutingAuthority(NPA).

Detailedinvestigations revealeda disturbingseries of events involving the grandfather’swife,a 44-year-old professional teacher. It wasdiscovered that the accusedwas awarethather 15-year-old sonhad allegedlyraped the victim

Rather than reportingthe matter to authorities or the victim’s parents, the accusedtookthe girltoa localpharmacy to purchase “morning-after” pills to preventpregnancy. Despite beinga professional educator,aposition that carries amandatoryreportingduty, she intentionally withheld information from the police.

Thewoman wasarrestedon31 August 2022. While the case against

the 15-year-old sonwas subsequently withdrawn, the mother waspursued forher failuretoreportthe incidentas requiredbylaw

TheBloemfontein Magistrates’ Courtfound the accused guilty. Shewas sentencedtothree years’ imprisonment, whollysuspendedfor five years, on conditionthatshe is not convicted of asimilar offense during the period of suspension

Dealers dealt heftyblow

TEBOHO

SETENA

ThePublic Order Police (POP)unit in Bloemfontein continued with disruptivepolicing actions as part of Operation ShanelaII, making another major arrestinthe illicit drug trade. Members confiscated daggawith an estimated street valueofR150 000 andarrestedtwo suspects.

Thesuspects,Sello Mahlatsi and Tshono Plaatjie,werefound to have 250 prepared products of daggain their possession duringtheir arrest in GrysbokStreet, in the Faunasuburb Lt Col. ThaboCovane,spokespersonfor the Free Statepolice,confirmed that the duo hadappeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court, facingcharges of possession and dealingindrugs,addingthatthe investigation continued.

“Thearresting officer found 250 prepared products of dagga, 140 zip-lockplastics of dagga, 100 silver sealeddagga products,30branded and 10 colourdifferentiated dagga products,” said Covane

“Thetotal weight of seized daggais 1080g,with an estimated street value of R14900.”

In Petrusburg,approximately 79km outside Bloemfontein, he said membersofthe police hadarrested Nasondi Mathokazifor dealingin and possession of drugs

He said members seized 95 rolled

Police officers counting illicit drugproducts discoveredduring the arrest of suspected dealers in Bloemfontein. PHOTO:Supplied

zols of daggaand 34 small bankies (plastic packets) containingdried daggaleaves.

“Cashbelievedtobeproceeds

from drug saleswas alsoconfiscated,” said Covane,addingthatthe suspect hadappearedinthe Petrusburg Magistrates’Court

Twoyouths busted with counterfeit liquor

TEBOHO SETENA

ThemultidisciplinaryFreeState PoliceOperational Command Centre continues its fightagainst the thriving illicit trade in counterfeit goodswithin Bloemfontein

Thelatestbreakthrough sawtwo youths arrested on Saturday 14 March, afterthe discovery of counterfeit liquor in abakkie theyweretravellingin.

Policebustedthe suspectedillicit traders, a24-year-old manand a 22-year-old woman, on the N6 national route.

Thearrestingofficersare part of the multidisciplinarypoliceteam, whichconsists of the following units: Pro-activePolicing, Public Order Police, Mounted, K9, VisiblePolicingand CorporateCommunication and Liaison unit Theteamcontinues operationsin Bloemfontein’s central business district (CBD) since deploymentonFriday, ensuringsafetyand security,aswell as compliance.

Thetwo suspectedtradersincounterfeit liquor areexpectedtoappearin the Bloemfontein Magistrates’Court this week,facingcharges of possession of counterfeit goods.

Sgt. MahlomolaKareli, provincial spokesperson forthe Free Statepolice, said members acted on information leadingtothe pair’s arrest at about 15:00. He said that after athorough search of the vehicle,members discov-

ered severalboxes of counterfeit liquor

Theitems were wrappedinblack plastic “Theestimated street value of the seized goodsisR105 000. They were unable to provide valid invoices,or accountfor the origin of the merchandise, leadingtotheir immediatearrest,” said Kareli.

He said the pair hadbeentraveling from Queenstown towardsBloemfontein Thevehicle hasbeenimpounded. Thepair’s arrest came in the wake of alarmingreports revealingcounterfeit liquor rapidlyboominginSouth Africa Thefacts include that the counterfeit alcoholmarketinSouth Africa has surged to over R25 billion,with counterfeit products accountingfor about 31% of the total illicit alcoholmarket.

In June last year,the policeseized largequantities of counterfeit goods with high-endlabels worthanestimatedR19 million duringaraid in the city’sCBD.Morethan13000 counterfeit items were confiscated including clothing, shoes,bagsand jewellery. The policereportedthat the majority of the seized items were imitationsofhighendluxurybrands

Sixforeign nationalsoriginatingfrom Pakistan and Senegalwerearrested duringthe drive. Chargesagainst them include contravening the Immigration Act, contravening the Counterfeit GoodsAct,Trademarks Act, AdjustmentFines Actand moneylaundering

Graveyardrapist imprisoned forlife, on topof20yrs

TEBOHO SETENA

Ayoung Bloemfontein man, JeremiaSekgoko Tsoanyane (30), convicted of rapingvictims at knifepointinagraveyard,will spend decades in prison.

Free StateHighCourt JudgeCorné vanZyl handeddowntwo life terms, plus an additional 40 years, in sentencingproceedings on Thursday 12 March.

Thejudge threw the book at the accused duringtheseproceedings in theHighCourt sittinginBloemfontein.

Tsoanyane wasfound guiltyon chargesofkidnappingand rapingfourwomen at knifepoint.

Thepolice’s full-scale investigation revealed he used the Phahamengcemeteryas his “huntingground”duringhis raping spree. The graveyardisalsoknown as Magengenene

Thecourt ordered that Tsoanyane’s name be added to the National Register forSex Offenders (NRSO), whichlists thedetails of all persons convictedofsexual offencesagainst childrenor people livingwith mental disability.

SgtSinah Mpakane,provincialspokesperson

for the Free Statepolice,saidthe outcomewas basedoncompellingevidence,includingforensic DNAevidence.She stated that additional evidence included testimony from the victims

Therapisttargetedadult women andminors, who were attendingschoolatthe time

Mpakane said as many of the crimes were committedduringthe time of the Covid-19pandemic, the victims were unable to identify the perpetrator becausehewas wearinga facemask

TheMangaung FamilyViolence,Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS)unit conducted an in-depthinvestigationtorender thevictims justice.

“Itwas discoveredduringthe trialthatthe modus operandi forall crimes committedat the PhahamengCemeterywas similar,” said Mpakane

“Judge VanZyl managedtolink theaccused to allthe cases, andthe accusedpleaded guilty.”

Mpakane said theinvestigations hadrevealed that Tsoanyane, who resides in thePeter Swart settlementinBloemfontein, hadbeentargeting women using the footpaththrough thegraveyard between2021 and2023.

Theincidents occurred between06:00 and 08:00 at differentplaces

Theteenage girls who fell victim to his crimes, then aged 16 and17, were on their waytoschool in 2021 and2022.

Twoother victims,thenaged25and 28, were rapedin2022 and2023, respectively.

“The16-year-old victim testified in courtthat on 23 August 2021, at about07:30, the suspect calledher by hername,which he mighthave seen writtenonher school bag.

“Hethenthreatenedher with aknife,grabbed herand draggedher to the treeswhereheraped her,”saidMpakane

Shesaidboth teenagevictims testified that the accusedhad threatenedthem with aknife, then grabbedand draggedthem outofthe cemeterytoasecludedareanearthe factories where he forcefullyundressed them and rapedthem

Mpakanesaidthe 25-year-old victim testified that on 30 July 2022,she hadbeenapproached by aman unknown to her, wearingamask, who threatenedher with aknife

“Hetookher to the otherside of the graveyard,where he undressedand rapedher.”

Afteraguiltyverdict on chargesofkidnappingand rape in the four cases, the High Court sentencedTsoanyane as follows:

■ count1: five years’ imprisonment;

■ count2:lifeimprisonment;

■ count3: five years’ imprisonment;

■ count4:lifeimprisonment;

■ count5: five years’ imprisonment;

■ count6:ten years’ imprisonment;

■ count7: five years’ imprisonment; and

■ count8:ten years’ imprisonment.

Mpakane confirmed that Tsoanyane was alreadyserving20years in prison after being handeddownasentence forrapingawoman, then aged 28, in 2023. Shesaid he hadbeen sentencedon29January2024.

In this case,Mpakane said, the rapisthad lured the victim with afalse joboffer

“Thevictim received acallfromthe accused who promised to find work forher

“They arranged to meet forthe suspecttotake her to the ‘new workplace’.

“Instead, she waslured to an open field in the EastEnd industries area,wherehethreatened her with aknife and rapedher,” said Mpakane.

Advocate in courtoverproperty sale fraud

TEBOHO SETENA

ABloemfontein advocate, his company,and three other people are settoreappearinthe Bloemfontein Magistrates’Court today– Wednesday18March –regarding amajor property fraudcase. This follows their arrestbythe Bloemfontein Hawks’Serious CommercialCrime Investigation team.

Thesuspects areAdvocateSiseko

LeonardCengcani (55), Tshadi Annah Molelekoa-Taso(44), Nomalizwe Brenda Nkwane (45) andNontsikelelo GraceMkololo (41), as well as the company Cengcani and Associates They were arrested on Monday 16 March.

WO FikiswaMatoti, provincial spokesperson for the Hawks,saysthe suspects’reappearancepertains to an application for bail. Their arrest resulted from intensiveinvestigations regardingthe alleged defrauding ofseveralpropertybuyers. These

properties were advertised in alocal newspaper.

“Itisallegedthatduring2020, complainants responded to property advertisements publishedinthe newspaperbyentities includingBlueprintCorner, QSTTrading, Anti-Poverty andSenothesha. Thecomplainants reportedly viewed the advertised properties through an agentand enteredintopurchaseagreements The complainants suffered acombined financial prejudice of approximately R1 135 000,” says Matoti.

Shesaysthe victims were provided with bankingdetails and instructed to deposit funds,with the promise that theywould occupy the properties within three months

“However,after making payments, the complainants neither received the properties norany refunds.Aninvestigationrevealedthatthe properties in questionwerenever forsale, renderingthe transactions invalid.”

Aprevious fraudcaseinvolved businesspartnersTebohoSamuel Taso andAnnah Molelekoa,who were

sentencedfor defrauding64clients in Bloemfontein.InNovember2019, theywereeachsentencedtoten years, whollysuspendedfor five years. The suspension wasgranted on the conditionthattheyreimbursethe victims an estimated R5,6 million. Thedeadlinerepaymentschedule as ordered by the courtwas January2023. Thecouplewas found guiltyof swindlingthe victims through their estate agency SenotetshaProperty Developer and QuickStepTrading 545, between2011 and 2013.

Real-world progress rightontrack

LIENTJIE MENTZ

It is with alookofdetermination and concentration on his face that Moses Thokotje speedsalongthe brand-new wheelchair trainingtrack at the Martie du PlessisSchool.

Moses, in Gr.12, is one of the learnerswho demonstratedthis track, developed on the school ground as an extension of the work of the physiotherapydepartmentatthe school

MagdaWessels,headof the department, said at the launchon9March the idea hadstemmedfromavisit to Switzerland.

“I sawhow children enjoyed the challenge of awheelchair course,and Irealised in South African children with disabilities areoften overprotected. We need to teach ourchildren that theyare not disabled, butdifferentlyabled. We need to teach them to go aboutasindependentlyas possible.”

Shecame back with this dreamofawheelchair course at the school and, with the help of donors and the school maintenance team,a course was designedand built

Wessels explains:“It is easy enough forthe

childreninwheelchairs to move around on the school grounds,but at home and in the worldout there, there aredifficult terrain that theyhavetonavigate. We wanted to improve their skills –teachingeachchild to optimally usehis or her wheelchair

“Thepaved path takes the user on an upward and downward slope, through some sandypatches and over small steps,aswellas through gravel and along agrass patch tothe end. Thereisalsoatransfer

Festival sets

station, whichteaches them howtoget outand back into their wheelchair.”

Afterademonstration by learners on launchday, some adults alsotookon the challenge. They quickly realisedthatwhatsome of the older children do in a flash,tooksome practice

“Shortlyafter we started usingthe course,wecould seethe confidence and self-esteem of the children growing,”Wessels said.

“Theteenagers straight away took to the challenge and nowcompete against

themselves,takingtheir times on the course.”

Safetyonthe wheelchair trackisveryimportant, especiallyfor the little ones who aregettingusedtothe challenges presentedby usinga wheelchair, so they wear safetyhelmets

“Not onlyisthisfun for the children, it alsogreatly improves their fitness, and theylearn that theyare able to complete challenges that theynever thoughtof.”

Francois vanHeerden, headmaster of Martie du Plessis, hasextended an

invitation to other facilities in Bloemfontein that assist patients with rehabilitation to make useofthis special course when applyingtheir therapy.

“This is notonlya wonderful educational tool for the school, butfor the whole Bloemfontein comunity.”

Like little Morero Mogane in Gr.1 said when they thankedthe sponsors:“This is super-duper fun!”

■ Go to the Bloemnuus Facebook page to see videos

thestage forprovince’sculturaldiversity

TheClarens Arts Festival will takeplace from 24 to 27 April. This year will be the fifth, sincethe inauguralevent in 2022.

Thefestival features acurated programme of visual artinstallations,livetheatricalperformances,literarydiscussions,and creative workshops,aswell as natureoutings. Multidisciplinarycultural programming is presentedinAfrikaans,English and Sotho This year,visitorscan look forward to a featurecollection from world-renowned artist and sculptor AntonSmit, titled Chronicles of Faith,aswell as acarefullycurated Ceramic Art Exhibition Highveld Ceramics:Curated involving Eugene Hön, John Shirleyand MichelleLegg.

Theperformingartsprogramme forms an importantpartofthe festival’s cultural offering and aimstomaintain an accessible andintimate settingfor audiences Festival-goers canexpecta rangeofperformances includingJazz-Latin musicfromJosh Mokoenaand HeinrichPelser, theatre with the Afrikaans Productions: Seun andIngrid: 'n Vlam in dieSneeu,aswellasa one-of-a-kind performancebythe OdeionStringQuartet with world-renowned sopranoNonzwakaziand pianistMegan Geoffry-Prins

Oneofthe performing arts highlights of the festival will be aperformance of Seun on 25 April. Aneagerly anticipated performance on

26 Aprilis TheHillsare Alive!,whichisacelebration of song with the Bloemfontein Children’s Choir.

Thefestival’s literaryprogramme provides opportunities for audiences to engage with writers, journalistsand commentators through talks, panel discussions,poetryand readings Thereis alsoanopportunitytosit across the dinner table from authorswith thefestival’s “Diningwith theWriters”and “Eet saam met die skrywers” events

Sessions coverawiderange of topics includingSouth Africanpolitics,travelwriting, memoir, fictionand contemporarycultural issues Thepublic canvisit clarensartsfestival.co.za

Courtcaseback on calendar

Themurder case againstthe girlfriend of policeofficer Tseliso Elia Johannes Mofutsana hasbeenre-enrolledfor trialin the KroonstadRegionalCourt, scheduled to starton Thursday 19 March.

This followsthe availability of forensic DNAresults andreviewofthe docketbythe Senior Public Prosecutor (SPP)atthe National ProsecutingAuthority (NPA) of South Africa in the Free State.

TheprovincialHawks’ SeriousOrganised Crime Investigation unit investigated the murder of Mofutsana, who heldthe rank of constableat the time

WO FikiswaMatoti,provincial spokesperson forthe Hawks, said thewoman had been served with asummons on Friday 13 Marchtoreappear in courton Thursday,facinga charge of murder

Thesuspect allegedly stabbedthe officer to death with aknife

Matoti said thecasewas originallyset fortrial on 7May last year,but wastemporarily withdrawndue to the unavailabilityofforensic evidence at the time

Shesaidthe incidentreportedly followeda heated altercation betweenthe couple

“Itisallegedthatanar-

Upskilling a necessity

DONALD MCMILLAN

TheSouth African healthcaresystem is currently facing aperiodofintensepressure. Betweenstaffing shortages andariseinmedical legalclaims,the gapbetween basic nursing education andthe actual demandsofpatient careisamajor concern. To improve patient safety andsupport our healthcareworkers, we must focus on practical, hands-on experience andconstant skill building.

Nursingerrorsare rarely the fault of oneperson. In South Africa,theyare usuallythe result of asystemunderstrain. Nurses aredealing with overcrowdedwards,longshifts,and avery high number of patients with complex conditionslikeHIV and TB.When staff areexhausted and overworked,the risk of making amistake increases.

Theseerrorshaveamassive impact.For patients and their families,itleads to alossoftrust Forhospitals, it leads to expensivelegal battles South Africa is currentlydealingwith billions of rands in medical claims,but this is money that should be spentonbetterequipmentand hiring morepeople.

If we want astrongerhealthcare system,we must reduce the risksthatleadtotheseerrorsin the firstplace Nursingeducation hastraditionallyleaned heavilyontheoretical learning, butknowing the theoryofaprocedureisverydifferentfrom doingitinabusyhospital.Practical,skills-based trainingiswhathelps anurse transition safely from the classroom to the ward

Oneofthe mosteffectivetools forthis is simulation-based training. This involves using specialised trainingrooms that look likereal hospital wards, completewith advancedmannequins that canmimic medical emergencies Here,nursescan practice critical skills like insertingdrips,readingECGs, or managing emergencycareinasafe environment. This allows them to build confidence and “musclememory” before theyevertreat areal patient. This type of trainingisessential for preparingnursesfor the high-pressure realityof South Africanclinics

Medicine is always changing. Newtreatment guidelines,technologies,and medicines are introducedall the time,changingthe waycareis delivered

Continuous Professional Development(CPD) helps nurses keep pace with thesechanges, ensuring their skills remain relevant,their knowledgeuptodate, and their patients receive the best possible care throughout everystage of their careers.

gumentbroke outbetween Mofutsanaand his girlfriendin the earlyhours of the morning of 31 March2024.

“Duringthe altercation,the suspectallegedlystabbed him with aknife,resultinginhis death.

“Thesuspect fled the scene thereafter,” said Matoti.

Shesaidthe officer’s body wasfound laterthatmorningat hisresidence

Matoti said an investigation revealedthe incidenthad occurred at the residence after thecouple’sreturn from a drinkingspree with friends that commencedonthe previous day, 30 March.

HUMAN RIGHTSDAY MARKEDATOLIEWENHUIS

Marking Human RightsDay on Saturday 21 March,the Oliewenhuis Art Museum in Bloemfontein hasorganised an eventopen for the public.

This public holidayinSouth Africa commemorates the1960 Sharpeville Massacre,withlocal focus often on servicedelivery and human dignity.

ThehistoryofHuman Rights Dayisgroundedinthe Massacre on 21 March1960,where the apartheid policeshot and killed 69 peopleduring apeaceful protest

This massacre exposedthe apartheid government'sblatant human rightsviolations. This year's Human Right

Month coincides with the celebrationof30years of the adoption of the South African Constitution.

On Saturday,from09:00 to 15:00,visitors to Oliewenhuiswill have theopportunitytorelax and engage in meaningful reflection in themuseum's tranquil surroundings.

However, CPDisabout morethanjustfollowing rules;itisabout buildingprofessional confidence.When nurses have the chance to learn newthings and specialiseinareas like intensivecareorpharmacology,theyfeelmore capableand valued. In acountry wheremany nurses choose to work overseas,providingthese opportunities forgrowthathome is agreat way to keep ourbesttalentinSouth Africa Enhancing the qualityofnursing care in South Africa requiresacoordinated,multi-stakeholder approach

Traininginstitutions, hospital administrators, and regulatory bodies must collaboratetocreate an ecosystemthatsupports the nurseatevery career stage. This systemic approach should focusonthree specificareas:

■ Integrated mentorship: Establishingformal programmes whereexpertclinicians provide real-time bedside teachingtonew graduates.

■ Accredited upskilling: Providingaccessible pathways fornursestospecialiseincritical areas such as ICU, neonatal care, and oncology

■ Technological alignment:Utilisingdigital tools to trackcompetencylevels and identifyspecific areaswhereadditionaltrainingisrequired By making practical trainingand ongoing learningapriority, we do morethanjustprevent mistakes.Weempower ournursestobethe skilledprofessionalstheywanttobe. When nurses arecompetent and confident, theyprovide better care, whichhelps rebuild public trustand makesthe South Africanhealthcare system stronger foreveryone.

■ McMillan is themanaging director of amedical training academy.

Technology unlockspotential

TheUniversitas Academic Hospital has unveiledadigital PET-CT scanner,marking asignificant milestone in the advancement of diagnostic imagingand patientcareinthe Free State.

Thedigital PET-CTisastate-of-theartmedical imagingsystemthatenables clinicians to visualiseboth the anatomical structureofthe bodyand its physiological functions.

This advancedtechnology enhances diagnostic accuracy, supports early disease detection, and improves treatmentplanning and patientoutcomes

Prof.Osayande Evbuomwan, medical specialistand departmental head of NuclearMedicine at the Universitas Academic Hospital, said buying this scanner enhanced qualitycare.

“Itisagame changerinearly diagnosis and cansavelives.”

At the newlyinstalleddigital PET-CT scanner at the Universitas Academic Hospital arefromthe left Dr Gerrit Engelbrecht (clinical head of NuclearMedicine),Ernest Mohlahlo(head of department at the Free State DepartmentofHealth),Prof.Osayande Evbuomwan (medical specialistand departmental head of Nuclear Medicine),Prof.DeliweRenePhetlhu (deanofthe Universityofthe Free State’sFaculty of Health Sciences) andKwame Kwakwa (deputy directorfor Financeatthe UniversitasAcademic Hospital). PHOTO: Lientjie Mentz

Sanitarypadsremainsafefor public’suse

Thestudy of the DepartmentofChemistryat the University of the Free State(UFS) on the safetyofsanitarypads createdpanic amongst women and younggirls who usetheseproducts regularly

Thestudy,titled“Thepresenceofendocrine disruptingchemicals in sanitarypads:A study done in South Africa,”was publishedinthe Science of the Total Environment journal in February.

Thestudy wasconducted on 16 different sanitarypad products andseven pantyliner products that hadbeenboughtonline.

Small quantities of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs)werepresent in thetested samples,with all products tested containing at leasttwo typesofEDCs. Thesenatural or man-made substances interferewiththe body’s hormones.

This includedproducts that were marketed as beingchemical-free.

Thestudy concluded that menstrual products area significant,but overlooked,sourceof exposure to EDCs

In anews storypublishedonthe university's website, the exposuretoEDCsinsanitarypads found in the studywas linked to hormonal imbalances, fertility problems,endometriosis and certain typesofreproductivecancer

TheNational DepartmentofHealth engaged with scientificand clinical experts from a number of institutions across South Africa in order to understandwhether thereisany risk to users. It concludedthatthe levels of EDCs found in the studywerelow andthatthisorany other

studyhas not establisheda causal relationship betweenthe detected chemicals and adverse health outcomesinwomenorgirls TheUFS said in astatementthatthe research did notclaim that short-term useofmenstrual products caused specifichealth conditions Similarly,the studywas not designedtoestablish adirectcausalrelationship betweenthe detected chemicals anddiseasesinwomen.

Theresearch findings andtheir publication arenot intended to constitutemedical advice, consumer directives,orproductusage recommendations – they presentpeer-reviewed scientificdataand identify areaswarranting further scientificand clinical enquiry.

Theresearchdoesnot recommendthat current products be withdrawnfromthe market, theUFS confirmed

Kidney disease’s complexitystressed

Breakthrough treatments in kidneydisease,includingempagliflozin and semaglutide,are showing strong results in slowingkidney disease progression and reducingheart complications.

This is accordingtohealth experts, notingthe 2024 FLOW trialreportinga24% reductioninseriouskidney outcomes

This excitingdevelopmentisbeinghighlighted with WorldKidney DayobservedonFriday13 March.

Ingrid Singels,associate directorofPharma Dynamics’scientificdivision,has indicated that accesstothesetherapies remainslimited in South Africa,highlightingthe need forbroader screening and moreaffordabletreatmentoptions

Health expertsare warningthatchronic kidney disease (CKD) significantly increasesthe risk of cardiovascular disease,particularly in people who alsohavetype2diabetes.

Theseexperts have pointedout that newevidence highlights agrowing “cardio-renal-metabolic”linkbetween the heart, kidneys and metabolic system

Singels explains that heartfailurefrequently occurs with another comorbidity: type 2diabetes. This formsatriad of conditions,a“cardio-renal-metabolic”system, wheredysfunction in one organcan triggerproblems in the others.

“Themetabolic system is closelyinterlinked with the heartand kidneys,and theseorgans rely on one another to maintain the body’sbalance Theheart depends on the kidneys to regulate fluid balance, while the kidneys rely on the heartfor proper blood flow,” explains Singels

Shehas urgedpeopletobeaware of this heart-kidney-metabolic connectionand to act early

“CKD oftenshows no obvious symptoms at first, and many people don’t realisetheyhavekidney problems until significant damage hasoccurred,” says Singels

Shehas further encoured members of the public to undergo earlyscreening in order to avoid being caughtunawares.

Vetgraduatesinlimbo

LIENTJIE MENTZ

In themidst of thefoot-andmouth disease(FMD) crisis, 39 Free Stateveterinarygraduates who were sponsored by thelocal governmenttostudy in Russia, cannot work in their home country. Thestudents completed aBachelor of VeterinaryMedicinedegreeat thePeople's Friendship University of RussiainMoscow; yettheyhavebeenbattling to getprofessional placementfor nearly four years

Thegroup of students were firstsponsored by the Office of the Premier –then Ace Magashule –tostudy overseas, and laterbythe Free StateDepartmentofAgriculture. They have been facingprolonged delaysingainingthe necessary professional opportunities and clinical exposurerequired to fullyintegrate into theveterinary profession in South Africa. Thegroup approached the Public Protectorregarding their ongoingchallengestoobtain practicaland clinical exposure since theyreturnedtoSouth Africamorethanfouryears ago.

DannyMaputsoe,spokespersonfor the groupofconcerned veterinary graduatesand their supporters,saystheywentto studyinthe hope of returning home to servetheir communities and contributemeaningful-

ly to South Africa'sagriculture and animalhealthsectors.

Maputsoe says their situation is particularly concerningata time whenthe countryis facing animal health challenges like the outbreak of FMD,which threatens livestockproduction, food security and rurallivelihoods.

"Itisdifficult to understand whyskilledveterinarygraduates remain sidelinedwhile the nation urgently requiresmore veterinary professionalsto assist with disease surveillance, vaccination programmesand animal health services,"Maputsoesays.

He states that the graduates are not asking for special treatment –theyare simply requestingfair opportunities for clinical training, mentorship and professional integration.

ZimkhithaNgqolaofthe South AfricanVetenirary Council (SAVC) confirmed that the qualification that the39students hadobtained, appeared on the council'slistofforeign veterinary qualifications "Thestudents will have to passthe SAVC registration examination in order to be registered," Ngqola explained "When agraduate hasa firm joboffer,their employeecan contactthe SAVC to applyfor authorisation.

“This is usually granted for twoyears to allowthe graduate to work under the supervision

of aregisteredveterinarian whilstpreparing to pass the examinationwithin astipulated period,” he said Ngqola confirmed that all veterinarians, both localand foreign,who registerwith theSAVCfor the firsttime areexpectedtocompletethe compulsorycommunityservice (CCS)via the Departmentof Agriculture. In Marchlastyear, SAVC pointedout that the countryfaces asevereshortage of theseessential professionals,despiteveterinarians and veterinary nurses beingplaced back on South Africa’s critical skills list.

AccordingtoSAVC, the countryhas approximately4,000 to 4,315 registeredveterinarians, representinga severe shortage with only60–70 vets permillion people Thecouncil pointedout that the number wasfar below the internationalstandardof 200–400.

Thedisgruntledgroup of graduatessaysSouth Africa cannot affordtoleave trained veterinary professionals on the sidelines while the agricultural sector faces growingbiosecurity threats

Amedia enquiryregarding theplightofthe international graduate groupwas sent to the Premier'soffice,but no responsewas received by BloemNews, sister paperof BloemExpress, at the time of goingtopress

in South Africa,39veterinarygraduates cannot find placement.

Burglar’s sentenceextended

koatsane,spokespersonfor the NPAinthe Free State.

Thebrazenyoung manbehind aburglaryand theft spreein Bloemfontein wassentenced to eightyears’directimprisonment regardinganincident at the National Prosecuting Authority(NPA) of South Africa office

TheBloemfontein Regional Courtsentencedthe burglar, Dino SherwinKekana(29), on Friday 13 Marchfor burglary andtheft at the Bloemfontein NPAoffice on the nightof 3December2023. He was found guiltyoncharges of burglary andtheft of essential items,includingcash. He was further declared unfittopossess a firearm.

“Fourlaptops,a voice recorder,memory sticks,notebooks, acellphone,and R200 in cash were stolen. Office furnitureand equipmentwere alsovandalised

“Thetotal value of the stolen property anddamagecaused duringthe break-in was estimated at approximately R100 000,”saidMojalefa Seno-

He said compellingevidence that includedDNA samples and bloodevidence,aswell as fingerprints,positivelylinked Kekana to the break-in at the stateentity’spremises,leading him to admit to committing the crime.Blood stains were collected at the office

“Duringhis plea,the accusedadmittedtothe charges of housebreakingand theft

He explainedhow he gained accesstothe buildingthrough abathroomwindowonthe ground floor.

“Herevealedheclimbedup aventilation shaft and forcibly brokethe security and glass doorsleadingtothe third floor before breaking into several offices and stealingthe items

“He, however, refused to disclosewhathappenedto the stolen items,” said Senokoatsane

He said Adv. Navilla Somaru, secretarytothe Free State DirectorofPublic Prosecutions, discoveredthe break-in upon returningtothe office

on 4December, although she hadproperlysecured the office before leavingfor the weekend. Senokoatsane said the intruder damagedthe main door on the third floorduringforcedentry Senokoatsane said Kekana’s sentencingwas the culmination of an in-depth investigation involvingthe Crimes Againstthe Statesection of the Hawksand the Police LocalCriminal Record Centre (LCRC) Kekana wastracedtoa prison in Wepenerwherehe is alreadyservingathreeyear sentence Theeight-year sentence adds to the three-year sentence imposedinJune last year in connectionwith another burglary in the Free Statecapital.

Theinvestigationsalso uncoveredthat Kekana was wanted foratleast sixcases of burglary,mostlycommittedin Bloemfontein’s CBD.

Thebreak-inatthe NPA office hasraised eyebrows,as it wasreportedthattherewere 24-hour security personnel on-site.

PARASITE PREVENTION ENSURE HAPPYPETS

Whilepet owners makesuretheir pet is well fed, always has freshwater,enjoys daily playtime and gets plenty of love,parasitecontrol maynot always makethe list

“It’seasytoforgetsomething that’sout of sight and out of mind,”saysDrTarryn Dent,business unit director forcompanion animalsatglobalanimal health companyZoetisSouth Africa

“Whilepet owners maynotice scratching from fleas or gastrointestinal upsetfromsome intestinal worms, manyparasites cangoundetected.

Forexample, tickscan transmit arangeofdiseases to dogs. Differentparasites aremorecommon in certain areas, and this canchangewith shifts in climateand migration patterns. Speaktoaveteri-

narian about aparasiteprevention plan. Also,rememberthat parasite prevention is a year-round concern. WorldParasiteAwareness Day falls on 20 March, coincidingwith the startofspring in the northern hemisphere;itdoes not mean South Africanpet owners shouldlet their guard down. “Spring and summertendtobewhenwestart thinking about ticksand insects, but being proactiveduring the cooler months is equally important.”

Finally,notethat parasitesare everywhere.

“Eveninclean homesand urban areas, pets can still be exposedtoparasites,” says Dent Onceparasites have takenhold, theycouldmultiplyquickly.A single femaleflea canlay dozens of eggs perday,quickly leading to ahome infestation.

and

LOOKING FOR

TE2003/1998 LOST OR DESTROYED DEED

Noticeishereby given in terms of regulation 68 of the Deeds RegistriesAct, 1937,ofthe intention to applyfor the issue of a certified copy of Deed of Transfer TE2003/1998 passed by BLOEMF ONTEIN PLAASLIKE OORGANGSRAAD in favour of NONDULO JOHANNA

HLUBI

Identity Number: 3310020154084

Unmarried in respectof ERF 48479 MANGAUNG, DI STRI CT BLOEMFONTEIN, PROVINCE FREE STATE IN EXTENT 171(ONE HUNDRED ANDSEVENTY ONE)SQUARE METRES HELDBYDEEDOF TRANSFERTE2003/1998 whichhas been lost or destroyed.

All interested persons having objection to the issue of such copy are hereby required to lodge the same in writing with the Registrar of Deeds: Fre eS ta te at Bloemfontein within two weeksfrom thedate of the publication of this

M.A. MOHLAKOANA

Late Estate:

MOHLAKOANAABEL

MOHLAKOANA

Estate Late: MAMOSA

ELIZABETHKUZWAYO

Identity Number: 5308180382089

F.M. NGAKANE

G.D.OGANNE

Es tate Lat e:

GOITSIMODIMO DANIEL OGANNE

IdentityNº: 4207305491

083, Estate Nº: 001099/2026

Masters' offi ce: BLOEMFONTEIN

Date of death: 2025-12-01

Date of birth:1942-07-30

Spouse: TSETSANE ELIZABETH OGANNE

IdentityNº400430 0310 081

Last address: 2316

BANY AN ES TR EET, ROCK LANDS, MANGAUNG,9323

All people having claims against the above Estate are calledupontolodge their claims with the Executor(s) concerned within aperiod of 30 days fromthe date 2026/03/20,Any debtors of theestate are

Identity Nº:4501025214

084

Estate Nº:001620/2026

Masters' offi ce:

BLOEMFONTEIN

Date of death: 2025-12-25

Date of birth: 1945-01-02

Marriedincommunity of property: SISIMOGANG

SYLVIA MOHLAKOANA

Identity no:4712230607

083, Last address: 17528

MOTSEKOASTREET, ROCKL AND S, BLOEMFONTEIN, All people who have claims against the aboveEstate arecalledupontolodge theirclaimswith the Executor(s) concerned within aperiodof30days from the date 2026/03 /20,Any debtors of the estate arerequested to payamountsowing to the executor within the aforesaidperiod

AL VISSER

KRAMER, WEIHMANN

INC PO BOX12322

BRANDHOF9324

TEL:(051) 4114000

Ref: LVISSER/CR/K02955

Estate Number: 001022/2026

Ma st ers office: BLOEMFONTEIN

Date of death: 2024-09-05

Date of birth: 1953-08-18

Last address: 22948 SIMUNDASTREET, ROCKLANDS,9323

Allpeoplehavingclaims against the aboveEstate arecalledupontolodge theirclaimswith the Executor(s) concerned within aperiodof30days from the date 2026/03/06

Anydebtors of the estate arerequested to pay amountsowing to the executor within the aforesaid period AL VISSER ON BEHALF OF ABSA

TRUST KRAMER, WEIHMANN INC PO BOX12322

BRANDHOF9324

TEL:(051) 4114000

Ref: LVISSER/MM/ KA0158/379167

IN THEESTATE OF THE LATE:FRANK MOSHESHA NGAKANE IDENTITY NUMBER: 6602015853 085

Date of death: 21 SEPTEMBER 2024 Andsurviving spouse MASEFAKOANE ANNA NGAKANE PASSPORT NUMBER: RC1 68332 ADRESS: MAQHAKA BE REA LESOTHO ES TAT EN UMBER : 005134/2025

Notice is hereby given that the Firstand Final Liq ui dat ion an d Distribution account will liefor inspectionatthe Master of the FreeState High Court Bloemfontein foraperiod of twenty-one (21 )d ays fr om THURSDAY the 19th of MARCH 2026. WERNER VER MA AK ATTONEYS No 1PRESIDENT STEYN STREET WESTDENE BLOEMFONTEIN PO BOX 26817

LANGENHOVENPARK 9330

TEL:051 4921150 EMAIL:

NOTICEOFPUBLIC PARTICIPATION PERIODFOR THE INTENT TO APPLY FOR RECTIFICATION IN TERMSOFSECTION 24GOFTHE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ACT (ACT107 OF 1998) (NEMA) FOR THE UNLAWFUL COMMENCEMENT OF LISTEDACTIVITIESAT 5MANNION STREET, BLOEMFONTEIN, MANGAUNG METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY,FREE STATE PROVINCE.

1.Gemini Scrap Metal commencedwith the recycling of electrical waste, classified as hazardous waste, in excessof500kg but less than 1ton per day and the recycling of ferrous and non-ferrous metals at 5 Mannion St reet , Bloemfontein, FreeState (29°7'36.91"S;26° 13' 36.13" E).

2.Notice is hereby given, in termsofthe National Env ironmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No.107 of 1998) (NEMA) EIARegulations, 2014 (as amended)and NEM:W te Act (Act No

Wednesday, 18 March2026

Crunchtimearrives

TEBOHO SETENA

TheUniversity of theFreeState (UFS) Shimlas andIxias of theCentral University of Technology (CUT), Free State, areset to play in theremaining two fixtures of theVarsity Cuprugby tournamenttoretaintheir status Their continued poorform hasthem in apredicament.

TheIxias face relegation, while the Shimlas face theprospectofnot qualifyingfor the semifinal. This situation aroseafter both teams failedtoimprove their respectivepositions in crucial round-five matches played on Monday 16 March.

Thematch in whichShimlas lost17

Diary

20 AND 21 MARCH

TheSpitskopChallengetakes placeoutside Upington, withthe 20km and 42km MTB night race commencing on Friday from 19:00. On Saturday,the 5km, 10km and21,1kmtrail runeventscommence at 07:00. Visit UpingtonCrusaders on Facebook formoreinformation.

21 MARCH

Thesixth editionofthe PhakamileMabija Human Rights Half Marathon, presented by the Teemaneng Running Club,takes placefromthe Kimberley Boys'High School. Enter the21,1km, 10km, or 5km event.Enter on peaktiming.co.zaby 18 March. Manual entries canbedone from 18 to 20 March. Dial 067940 8387 formoreinformation.

28 MARCH

TheMatsaMTB eventcommences at 07:00fromthe Petrusburgshow grounds. Enter the161km, 87km, or 35km event – allongravelroads.Registeron or before 25 March. Visit Oryx Endurance EventManagement on Facebook for moreinformation.

16 MAY

Thethirdannual Founders Half Marathon, presentedbythe Kimberley Boys'High School in conjunction with theTeemaneng Running Club,is scheduledtotakeplace.Interested parties canenter to participateinthe 21km, 10km, or 5km event. More information about this running event to follow