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Wednesday, 1 October 2025
Cricketer Kagiso Rabada (left) greeting a learner of the Tsoseletso Secondary School on 23 September, during the Protea team’s visit as part of the Menace Tour celebration. See more photos on the free news platform bloem-express.co.za. Photos: Teboho Setena
Proteas unite fans across nation through victory tour TEBOHO SETENA After winning the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Test Championship (WTC) 2025, the national men’s team has basked in the glory of success alongside passionate South African fans. The celebration came three months
after the team’s captain, Temba Bavuma, and his Proteas claimed the coveted trophy at the Lord’s Cricket Ground in the United Kingdom (UK). The Proteas conquered the test arena after beating Australia by five wickets to win their maiden title. To celebrate, the team embarked on the Menace Tour, parading the
prestigious trophy at six venues in five of South Africa’s provinces. In the Free State, the team and management received a resounding welcome at the Tsoseletso Secondary School in Bloemfontein on 23 September. Delighted learners of the school formed a guard of honour to salute their heroes.
Team members participated in mini clinics for budding cricketers and signed autographs for passionate supporters. Spanning over four days, the celebratory tour ended in Cape Town on Friday, 26 September. The tour saw fans, young and old, line the streets to salute South Africa’s
cricketing heroes. The Proteas kicked off the tour in Kimberley, in the Northern Cape, and proceeded to Bloemfontein. On the same day they headed for Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, en route to Gqeberha and East London in the Eastern Cape, ending in the Western Cape.
Case still ongoing Billing woes: Chronic inability blamed TEBOHO SETENA The national police has stated that it was not possible to provide a timeframe for the completion of the investigations into the deaths of constables Keamogetswe Buys (30), Boipelo Senoge (20) and Cebekhulu Linda (24). Brig. Athlenda Mathe, national police spokesperson, cited the nature of the outstanding reports and the sensitivity in a statement released on Monday, 29 September. “The investigation remains active. What can be confirmed is that the matter is progressing, and all necessary expertise is being applied to ensure a thorough and credible outcome. “The police and private specialists have submitted reports as prescribed. “Preliminary post-mortem reports have been received, but the final reports, which will include blood alcohol results, toxicology and histology, are still awaited. These findings are critical before the investigation can be concluded,” said Mathe. The deceased officers reportedly went missing on
23 April and were traveling in a Volkswagen Polo, which was recovered in the the Hennops River along the N1 in Centurion. They were recovered following an intensive search. Their disappearance started as a suspected hijacking and kidnapping case. “The SAPS remains committed to finalising this investigation with the required diligence; mindful of the sensitivity of the case for the families, colleagues and the public. “In addition, analysis of physical evidence is still underway. This process is complex, as the SAPS relies on external specialists for certain examinations. “While the police accident expert report has been finalised, it is not in itself conclusive. The outcome of this investigation depends on a combination of all expert findings,” said Mathe. The officers had been travelling from Bloemfontein to their area of deployment in Limpopo when they went missing. The official funerals took place on separate dates between 8 and 10 May.
Metro vows to stop just treading water TEBOHO SETENA The DA in the Mangaung Metro Municipality has announced action regarding apparent discrepancies in the metro’s water billing for consumers. The municipality is further hamstrung by prolonged failure to fix leakages, resulting in drinkable water going to waste. This comes as disgruntled residents raise concerns over water billing and the municipality’s recent introduction of a temporary monthly charge of R332,95 plus VAT. Some residents in Bloemfontein using conventional meters (standard meters) say they notice inaccuracies in their water billing accounts, with bills exceeding their actual usage. Some of these meters are still in the yards of residents who have locked their gates owing to rampant crime. This poses a challenge for correct billing. Paul Kotzé, DA councillor in the Man-
gaung Metro, said the party would engage with metro officials to ensure that every household in Mangaung has a functioning prepaid water meter and that residents receive timely, accurate information about billing and water usage. “This will ensure that residents are protected from unexpected and unfair financial burdens. The municipality’s recent introduction of a temporary monthly charge of R332,95 plus VAT, which covers 12 kilolitres of water for households with malfunctioning or bypassed meters, is intended to prevent residents from receiving large, backdated bills once new meters are installed,” said Kotzé. What is concerning according to Kotzé, is the municipality’s failure to communicate with and prepare residents with clear notices or detailed explanations of charges. “Residents are left confused, uncertain about their obligations, and exposed to unnecessary costs. Several households have been left unsure when or if their faulty
or bypassed meters would be replaced, leaving them vulnerable to unexpected costs,” said Kotzé. Kotzé blames the municipality’s chronic inability to monitor water consumption. “The lack of proper oversight and maintenance not only reduces municipal revenue, but also jeopardises water security for all residents.” According to Lydia Thekiso, chief financial officer (CFO) of Mangaung, there are 45 000 households that have migrated to prepaid meters, and 25 000 meters bypassed by municipality technicians or residents due to malfunctioning. She stated this during a media briefing on the strides the metro made thus far for stability. Thekiso said the metro was dealing with queries about inaccurate water billing and that a process was in place for review by meter readers to affected households. Thekiso has conceded that the metro was having challenges with estimating meter readings compared to actual readings.