Bloem Express - E-edition 29 October 2025

Next court date scheduled for the new year

Casepostponedyetagain

TEBOHO SETENA

The wheel of justice continues to grind slowly for three victims of alleged brutal assault by eight police officers in Edenburg early in 2017 The never-ending criminal trial against the officers was postponed to February 2026, with the proceedings set to continue on the 20th and 27th of that month The matter was heard in the Edenburg Magistrates’ Court on Friday 17 October.

The postponement extends the complainants’ wait for justice: Molato Mahlose, Velile Chaka and Lerato Mokotso

It emerged that the accused have been exchanging attorneys during the proceedings, resulting in postponements

The officers standing accused are constables:

L V Motale, M J Ningi, R S Masebo, L J Titisi, H D Malibo, T Sefali and T E Mosia, as well as T E Kholomba, who has since resigned from the SAPS

The remaining seven accused are still reporting for duty in Edenburg and Trompsburg

The victims have expressed dismay at the repeated postponements, more than seven years since the case was enrolled

One witness, a woman, last testified in August last year

“We have been waiting for the state to finalise the matter This matter has inconvenienced us, as some of us are unable to move on with our lives,” said Mokotso

The eight police officers stand accused of assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm after

Thismatterhasinconvenienced us,assomeofusareunableto moveonwithourlives

Lerato Mokotso

an incident on the N1 on 2 October 2017

The complainants sustained severe physical injuries

The assault of the three victims reportedly took place at a roadblock, while a woman who accompanied the men was spared

The three men and the woman had been travelling in a courier bakkie from Trompsburg, after being picked up while hitchhiking

The courier was headed for Gauteng

The victims were released from custody after the officers realised that they had wrongfully arrested them

An investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) revealed that the officers suspected the men had been the armed robbers who had targeted a business in Trompsburg, local furniture store, earlier the same day

“IPID has completed its investigation into the matter, hence it is now before the court,” said Phaladi Shuping, provincial spokesperson for IPID

“The delays are from the side of the accused, who changed lawyers and, at some point, called in sick when they had to appear before court

“This court process is beyond the IPID, and its responsibility at the moment is to ensure that the witnesses are in court on the day of the appearance and that the docket is at court This has been done by the investigator”

Missing 3-year-old found dead , police seek help

MARTI WILL

The search for Katleho Joy Leeuw (3), who was reported missing by her mother on Thursday 23 October, has ended tragically with the discovery of the child’s body

Vuyiswa Joyce Leeuw reported to Glen Police Station that she last saw her daughter on Thursday afternoon Katleho was last seen playing with other children in the backyard of her home in Glen

The search, led by Captain Jerry Motaung of the Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, continued into Friday morning At approximately 11:20, Katleho’s body

was discovered dumped in thick bushes at a distance from Glen Preliminary investigation indicates that Katleho was sexually assaulted and murdered A murder case has been opened at Glen Police Station

Any member of the public with information that could help with the investigation and arrest of suspect(s) in the Katleho Joy Leeuw murder case is requested to contact Sergeant Lebogang Dikgacoi at 083 585 1951 or 051 407 3600 Alternatively, information can be submitted via the MySAPS App or by calling the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111

The tragic case highlights concerns about child safety and violence

FOCUS ON: BLOEM SPA HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTRE

Bloem Spa Hotel marks decades of excellence

Nestled in the north-west of Bloemfontein, the Bloem Spa Hotel and Conference Centre celebrates its 20th anniversary under the visionary leadership of Manny and Teresa Viveiros a milestone that reflects two decades of unparalleled hospitality and purpose-driven management

This exquisite establishment will mark the milestone on 2 November this being the date the current management took over in 2005

The Bloem Spa Hotel and Conference Centre has evolved from a modest lodge into a cornerstone of luxury and community engagement, hosting countless guests from around the globe and weaving itself into the fabric of the city’s vibrant history

When Manny and Teresa took over the establishment it was a lodge with 42 bedrooms and a conference centre It had a breakfast room a large dining hall a large conference hall, and three smaller conference rooms plus one lapa

Since then it has received a major facelift transforming from a white and blue building to the colours we see now: burnt orange, beige, and caramel along with sandstone to bring in a natural and warm feel

The lodge also expanded by adding 26 rooms for accommodation, which led to Bloem Spa Lodges name changing to Bloem Spa Hotel

Much has been adapted and added to accommodate clients needs and offer value for money

A boma area was added to the lapa to create a space guests could book for casual events surrounded by the beauty of the landscape

Additionally, over the years, a larger lapa was built for bigger events or conferences accommodating up to 300 guests

A third lapa was added to the front of the building and serves as a lounge for hotel guests

The spa has also evolved

Initially, when the business was taken over 20 years ago the spa was closed with only one therapist renting a space for massages But after many requests for spa services, the spa area was renovated and reopened offering services ranging from facials, manicures, and pedicures to massag-

es and popular spa packages

Just last year the spa received another revamp to give the space a modern and serene feel Throughout its journey, Bloem Spa Hotel and Conference Centre has thrived amid challenges, including the economic recession and the

devastating global Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 The lockdown was a particularly tough time in the history of the establishment

Post-pandemic, the hotel is still standing and offering its services to hotel guests, as well as for weddings, events and conferences

Bloem Spa Hotel and Conference Centre is a place where lasting memories are made for guests from across the globe reflecting its true patronage

The establishment hosted the Brazil soccer team for the 2009 Confederations Cup, and also provided accommodation for various international teams that competed in the 2010 Fifa World Cup games, hosted in Bloemfontein These teams included the likes of the English, Nigeria, Honduras, Cameroon and Paraguay as well as South Africa’s own Bafana Bafana

Being able to host these diverse nations and to be recognised by Fifa remains a big highlight in the hotels years of excellent service

Bloem Spa Hotel and Conference Centre employs over 30 capable staff members some of whom have been with the hotel since the current management of Manny and Teresa took over The two decades have been crucial and are as much of a milestone for these long-term staff as they are for the business

To celebrate this anniversary, Bloem Spa Hotel and Conference Centre invites guests to visit the establishment: Make use of the facilities whether for accommodation or conferences, or just dropping in for a coffee, lunch, or a spa treatment Bloem Spa is rewarding customers for their continued patronage as part of celebrating 20 years The biggest prize available to win is a night’s stay in the suite, breakfast and dinner included and the Spa Tropical Experience package

The spa is also running a special for the month of November

Visit Bloem Spa Hotel and Conference Centre and stand a chance to win some prizes on offer

Teacher’s killer sentenced

TEBOHO SETENA

The cold-blooded murderer of Dealsville teacher Mosiwa Adam Tshabagae was sentenced to life imprisonment, which constitutes 25 years, plus an additional 18 years, while his co-accused was acquitted Itumeleng Petrus Mokoena (24) was sentenced on 20 October for killing the deceased, who had worked at the Kgololosego Secondary School Mokoena’s co-accused, Seema Morake, was acquitted Mojalefa Senokoatsane, regional spokesperson for the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) of South Africa, confirmed the outcome He said Mokoena had pleaded guilty to all charges of housebreaking, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and murdering Tshabagae during the proceedings in the Regional Court sitting in Dealsville

He murdered Tshabagae on 21 September last year, in a house on the school premises Tshabagae’s body was discovered by three women who had been trying to reach him Upon not receiving any response, the women decided to check on him, making the gruesome find They found the teacher's body covered in a blanket and in a pool of blood

Senokoatsane said the conviction and sentencing were based on compelling evidence during the trial and followed a diligent investigation

“Mokoena was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Tshabagae, 15 years ’ imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances and

three years for housebreaking

“The court ordered that the sentences run concurrently, effectively resulting in a life term

“The court heard that on the evening of 21 September

Mokoena broke into the home of the deceased When Tshabagae confronted him, Mokoena attacked and strangled him before stabbing him multiple times in the neck, causing fatal injuries He then ransacked the house and stole several items belonging to the deceased, including clothes and a laptop”

Mokoena’s killing of the teacher shocked residents of the town, located approximately 70km west of Bloemfontein

The accused was spotted wearing some of the victim’s clothes the following day, by friends of the slain teacher, leading to his arrest

The accused subsequently made a confession to the police, further pointing out the

crime scene

Senokoatsane said that in handing down the sentence, the state considered the emotional testimony of a family member of the deceased

“A family member of the deceased delivered an emotional testimony describing the emotional and social impact the murder had on their family and the community”

Senokoatsane said the state was compelled to withdraw the case against the second accused, Morake, due to insufficient evidence

“The only evidence linking him to the offence was the confession made by the first accused Mokoena, which was inadmissible Upon finalisation of the matter, the prosecution requested the accused Mokoena to provide a statement implicating the second accused (Morake), but he declined to do so ”

Senokoatsane said the accused had been remanded in custody and was not granted bail Angry residents openly objected to Mokoena’s bail protesting during court hearings

“The NPA in the Free State welcomed the sentence, commending the collaboration between investigators, the prosecution team, led by Regional Court Prosecutor Leon Ehlers, and community members that ensured justice was served

“This sentence sends a message that senseless acts of violence, particularly against members of our community who serve and uplift others, will be met with the full might of the law,” Senokoatsane said

MEC confident in NSC exam success

TEBOHO SETENA

The Free State MEC for Education, Dr Mantlhake Maboya, is confident the province’s 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination period will be credible and free of discrepancies She expressed optimism on 21 October, during her visit to the St Bernard’s Secondary School in Bloemfontein to monitor 82 candidates who wrote the Computer Applications Technology (CAT) exam.

Maboya was accompanied by Tebogo Basjan, director for examinations and assessment; as well as December Moloi, director of the Motheo district She said her department, working with stakeholders, has ensured there would be no interruption for the Free State cohort of 48 000 candidates writing their final Gr 12 exams

According to Moboya, preparations began at the beginning of the year, and she confirmed that the province’s overall target was a 95% pass rate, with 45% bachelor’s passes

She said the St Bernard’s School had the largest number of full-time Gr 12 learners who had registered for the CAT subject in the Motheo district

This subject, in South Africa, teaches computer literacy by focusing on

the practical application of hardware and software to solve real-world problems It covers skills in word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentations, along with theoretical aspects of computer systems, networks, and the social impact of technology

Combined, the number is 3 661 candidates registered for the subject The Motheo district has the biggest number in the province, with 1 402; followed by Fezile Dabi, with 758; Lejweputswa with 695; and Thabo Motsanyana with 661 The Xhariep district has 145 candidates

“I’m encouraged that some of the learners are additionally doing Mathematics, Science, as well as commercial subjects

“You have made the right choice pertaining to these subjects that we call gateway subjects they are going to open opportunities for you This is what the economy of this country wants,” said Maboya

This year ’ s total number of candidates in the Free State registered to write the Mathematics exam are 16 389; with those in Fezile Dabi amounting to 2 548; in Lejweleputswa 3 631; in Motheo 4 521; in Thabo Mofutsanyana 5 202; and in Xhariep 487

Maboya said that to prepare learners and help them work towards the target of a 95% overall pass rate, extra classes were offered on weekends

“Learners have been given the necessary support, and I wish all candidates writing their final exams the best As the department, we have done everything possible to ensure the exams are successful”

She added that exam invigilators and monitors were well-equipped to ensure the credibility of the exams

Last year, 44 545 candidates in the Free State wrote the NSC exams and achieved a 91% matric pass rate, marking the province’s sixth consecutive year of holding the top provincial position in South Africa

Top officials of the provincial Department of Education visited the St Bernard’s Secondary School on 21 October as part of monitoring the start of the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exam From the left are Tebogo Basjan (director for examinations and assessment),Dr Mantlhake Maboya (MEC for Education),December Moloi (director of the Motheo district) and Bonga Tshabalala (chairperson of the school governing body of the St Bernard’s Secondary School)

POLICE WARN PUBLIC TO BE WARY OF CRIMINALS HACKING PHONES TO DEFRAUD PEOPLE

TEBOHO SETENA

The Free State police are warning the public about cyber syndicates and scammers hacking phones, chiefly to defraud people of money

Capt Loraine Earle provincial spokesperson for the police, has confirmed that a female senior official from the Department of Home Affairs in Kroonstad has fallen victim According to information, the syndicate defrauded people by sending messages and contacting unsuspecting victims using the official’s cellphone number: 073 523 1218

The police are calling on anyone who

may have been contacted by or received suspicious messages from the mentioned cellphone number to immediately contact the investigating officer

“The official discovered that her cellphone number had been hacked and was being used by unknown suspects to trick people into paying money, in exchange for promised employment opportunities or government contracts,” said Earle

“So far, police have been made aware of several victims, who collectively lost approximately R150 000 The police urge community members to remain vigilant and to never pay any money for

employment opportunities or government tenders All legitimate recruitment and procurement processes within government departments follow official procedures and do not require any form of payment ”

South Africa is one of seven African countries heavily targeted by syndicates in which scammers use a range of modus operandi, the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) Director of the Cybercrime Directorate stated Other countries include Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria Rwanda Togo and Zambia According to authorities, scammers sometimes pose as telecommunications

Funeral expenses distressing

TEBOHO SETENA

The grief-stricken family of Benjamin van Wyk (20), who drowned in the Witherow quarry in Heidedal, are turning to crowdfunding to cover funeral costs because they cannot afford the expense

Police divers retrieved Van Wyk’s body on Thursday 23 October, seven days after he had died in the deep water filling the quarry

A date for the funeral is yet to be determined, as the family is also awaiting the postmortem Van Wyk’s body disappeared in the quarry on 16 October

Despite relief after his body was recovered, distress over funeral expenses is another difficult part of the tragic chapter

Only the victim’s mother, Elizabeth van Wyk, is working; his father, Llowallen Minnie, is unemployed

“As the family Van Wyk and Minnie we are appealing for any help towards Benjamin’s funeral, and we will appreciate any such help to bury him with dignity My wife is the sole breadwinner providing for our family of four

It would have been a different matter if I were working,” said Minnie

Hamlet Scheepers, member of the Heidedal Neighbourhood Association, has called on the community to continue supporting the bereaved family

“As members of the association, we are appealing to show our kindness as the community, making any contribution towards the funeral costs Their financial constraints due to unemployment is the reality of our daily lives,” said Scheepers

“As the association, we are continuing to support the affected family”

Funeral arrangements will be communicated once the police have completed the postmortem

The man-made hole of the Witherow quarry has been dubbed the Quarry of Death due to the drowning in these waters of multiple people, of all

ages, over the years

The frantic search for Van Wyk’s body was initially delayed on the first day, due to poor light conditions Police members of the Welkom Diving unit continued their work on the second day – Friday 17 October – but were also unable to retrieve the body, despite employing various search measures

Sgt Mahlomola Kareli, provincial spokesperson for the Free State police, said divers had worked throughout the seach period to the point where it was determined that Van Wyk’s body may have been carried by currents or moved to a deeper section of the quarry

The deeper section is estimated to extend to approximately 50m deep

An inquest docket was opened to investigate the young man ’ s drowning

According to information received, Van Wyk and two companions had gone to the quarry to swim on the day of his death He was quickly overwhelmed after he jumped into the water, and subsequently drowned

Those willing to assist the bereaved family can call Scheepers 065 578 500

employees and claim fake “jackpot” wins to extract sensitive information and gain access to banking accounts

Hackers use the internet to gain sensitive personal information through phishing; employing tactics such as fraudulent emails or messages to trick people into revealing personal information

Syndicates could also target banking, investment and messaging apps

According to Interpol, through its anti-cybercrime Operation Red Card, conducted from November 2024 to February 2025 authorities in South Africa arrested 40 suspects and seized more than 1 000 SIM cards and 53

desktop computers and towers The SIM box fraud scheme reroutes international calls as local ones in large-scale SMS message phishing attacks

Interpol reported that across the aforementioned seven African nations authorities arrested 306 people and seized 1 842 electronic devices The network of cyber syndicates and scammers has defrauded more than 5 000 individuals and businesses Contact the investigating officer in the current case, Sgt Samuel Seloana of the provincial Commercial Cyber Crime unit, on 073 925 4882 to report having been scammed by number 073 523 1218

since 2009

Hawks honour heroes

The Free State's Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) Hawks has rewarded investigative and administrative personnel who maintained their good work ethics to enable the organisation to execute its public mandate to fight crime

Outstanding personnel received Excellence awards for their diligent work for the term 2024/2025 at a ceremony held at Leslie Monnanyane Hall in Bloemfontein on Friday 10 October

The annual event celebrates the hard work of members across various categories: serious commercial crime, corruption, and organised crime investigation, as well as auxiliary services

Major Gen Mokgadi Bokaba, head of the Free State's Hawks, stated that achievements by the

investigative team in the province for the period were no mean feat

The team recovered large amounts of money from illicit crimes, in addition to securing convictions and lengthy sentences

Bokaba said the excellent work of the investigation teams has led to recoveries of money forfeited to the state to the tune of R5 7 million overall

Bokaba stressed: “This is one typical example of a case that shows the result of working together – this means we are united These people who are stealing money, and moving money around, we start asking ourselves, how deep and corrupt everybody around us is "

She said the investigative teams fighting corrupt criminal activities have high standards of ethics and integrity in the work that has been done

“We have to applaud them with open hearts, and not because they are a special breed, but it is their

year

So, let's continue to embrace them in this moment that has arrived for those who are here, and let them shine – and say, well done, you have done well in the year that passed

“They have set a mark, and I hope they will even do better in the year to come

“I always remind them that as members of the Hawks (Directorate) they have a distinct mandate, but they remain members of the SAPS,”said Bokaba

Recipients:

Lt Col: B Skota (Best DPCI Major Case Investigation Team First runners-up: Team CIT)

Lt Col: XJ Vethezo (Best DPCI Administration Team Overall winner: Team Human Resources Management)

Lt Col: TS Khookhoo (Team Best DPCI Administration Team Malware Information Sharing Platform)

Capt: MP Mamatela (Best DPCI Investigator: (SCCI)

Capt: N Gabayi (Best DPCI Investigator: PCSI)

WO: BG Oss (Best DPCI Investigator: SCCI)

WO: U Mkumla (Best DPCI Administrative Personnel)

WO: LJ Motseki (Best DPCI Investigator: PCSI)

Const: LM Ralejalla (Best DPCI Investigator: SCCI)

Capt RH Van Huyssteen (Best DPCI Major Case Investigation Team: Team Duncan)

Administrative clerk: DB Lichaba (Best DPCI Administrative Personnel)

Administrative clerk: MM Mokoena (Best DPCI Administrative Personnel

Cleaning unit: SC Moshoeshoe (Best DPCI Auxiliary Personnel)

Cleaning unit: TP Seabi (Best DPCI Auxiliary Personnel)

Cleaning unit: PS Monyaki (Best DPCI Auxiliary Personnel)

Police crack fatal tavern shooting

tered for further investigation

The Bultfontein police have made a significant breakthrough in the fatal shooting of a 24-year-old man at a Free State tavern, recovering the murder weapon and arresting two male suspects aged 31 and 37 respectively

Both men appeared in the Bultfontein Magistrates’ Court on Monday 27 October with the 31-year-old facing murder charges whilst the 37-year-old is charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm

Sergeant Palesa Thabana, spokesperson for the police in the Lejweleputswa district, said the unarmed victim was shot dead during a quarrel inside a tavern on Saturday 25 October, at approximately 03:55 in the township of Phahameng The suspected gunman was arrested shortly after the incident

“On Sunday 26 October, Bultfontein police received information about the whereabouts of the alleged weapon The unlicensed firearm and an empty magazine were recovered from a kraal in Bultfontein, leading to the arrest of the 37-year-old male,” said Thabana

Officers found an African male lying unresponsive in a pool of blood with a gunshot wound to his chest

Emergency services certified him dead at the scene

“It is alleged that the suspect went outside, and upon his return to the tavern, he took out a firearm

There was a scuffle between him and the deceased, resulting in the suspect fatally shooting the deceased before fleeing the scene, ” Thabana explained

Two used 9mm cartridges, one live 9mm cartridge, one pair of spectacles and a blue cap were found at the scene A murder case has been regis-

This marks the second fatal shooting at a tavern in the Free State this month, following an incident in Ventersburg on 13 October where a 37-year-old man killed two victims aged 29 and 41 Police reported the trio were playing pool when an argument erupted, resulting in a brawl The suspect allegedly went outside, returned armed with a gun and shot both victims after a heated disagreement escalated from simmering tension

On 8 August, at approximately 22:54, a 30-year-old man wounded five people at a tavern in Bloemfontein CBD, firing shots randomly after being stopped whilst attempting to leave with bottles of liquor When stopped by bouncers, he allegedly dropped the bottles, went to his vehicle, and returned with a firearm

The victims, all between 25 and 35, sustained gunshot wounds to various parts of their bodies A woman was wounded in her left shoulder, two sustained knee injuries whilst two others were shot in their thighs A male victim narrowly escaped injury when a bullet tore through his trousers, and a bouncer was shot at multiple times but unharmed Emergency services transported the five wounded victims to hospital for treatment

On 20 April, at a tavern in Phase Six in Bloemspruit, a 62-year-old establishment owner was arrested for attempted murder after wounding a 44-year-old male According to police, the victim was at the tavern on 19 April at about 20:30 when the owner confronted him, accusing him of having an affair with his wife During the argument, the suspect allegedly discharged a firearm, wounding the victim in the right arm The victim was admitted to hospital

Disaster reduction key

ALICE NCUBE

The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, held every year on 13 October, reminds the world that disasters are not inevitable While hazards such as floods, droughts, cyclones, and disease outbreaks will continue to occur, the scale of their impact depends on how well prepared we are to anticipate, prevent and respond to them This truth is particularly urgent for Africa, where climate change, rapid urbanisation, and fragile infrastructure make millions of people increasingly vulnerable

Across Africa, climate extremes are intensifying, rising temperatures are fuelling more prolonged droughts, heavier rainfall drives floods, and coastal communities face higher risks from storms and sea-level rise Population growth and unplanned urbanisation increase exposure

Therefore, disaster risk reduction (DRR) must be seen not as a secondary issue, but as a central pillar of Africa’s sustainable development agenda Every disaster undermines hard-won progress in poverty reduction, health, education, and food security Unless risk reduction is integrated into all sectors of planning and investment, Africa will continue to spend scarce resources on costly emergency responses instead of building long-term resilience

Encouragingly, the African Union and its member states have already laid a foundation The Programme of Action for the Implementation of the Sendai Framework in Africa provides a roadmap for reducing disaster risk at continental, regional and national levels Advances are being made in early warning systems, along with transboundary cooperation on hazards and community-based preparedness Yet progress remains uneven, and the scale of today’s risks demands far greater ambition, stronger partnerships and increased financing

Investing in resilience pays off In Africa, studies have shown that disaster response costs far surpass prevention spending Every dollar invested in preparedness can save governments and communities up to US$7 in recovery and reconstruction The UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) backs this assertion At the same time, the World Bank estimates resilient infrastructure alone can generate more than US$4 in benefits for every dollar invested These findings underscore that prevention is a humanitarian priority and a sound economic strategy More importantly, risk reduction protects lives and livelihoods, particularly for those already marginalised

Africa’s rich Indigenous knowledge systems have guided communities in forecasting weather, managing land, and adapting to environmental shocks for generations When integrated with modern science and technology, indigenous knowledge strengthens the accuracy, relevance, and cultural acceptance of DRR strategies This blending of traditional wisdom and scientific innovation, combined with inclusive leadership and participation, must be at the heart of national resilience strategies

Technology and innovation also present new opportunities Satellite data, artificial intelligence and mobile platforms are improving how risks are monitored and communicated However, these tools must be matched with investments in local capacity, governanc, and financing to ensure that early warnings translate into early action

On this International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, Africa must reaffirm its commitment to a resilient future, aligning efforts under Agenda 2063, the Sendai Framework, the SDGs, the Paris Agreement and the New Urban Agenda Together, these frameworks call for resilient economies, climate action, sustainable cities and inclusive growth all of which depend on robust disaster risk reduction Governments, civil society, the private sector and development partners all have a role to play Africa’s vision of resilience is clear: a continent where hazards do not become disasters, communities are empowered to withstand shocks, and development gains are safeguarded for future generations Achieving this is not optional, it is essential The time to act is

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Runners promised a race to remember

After the phenomenal success of the 2025 Mimosa Mall Marathon, Bloemfontein’s biggest running celebration returns on Saturday 28 February

This event wil be bigger faster and more unforgettable than ever before The 2025 instalment, hosted in March saw record-breaking participation with double the number of entries compared to that of its debut year 2023

Thousands of runners took part from elite athletes chasing qualifying times to families lacing up for the 5km fun run They filled the streets with energy, colour and community spirit, turning Bloemfontein into a festival of fitness and pride

The event continues its proud partnership with the Louzanne Coetzee Foundation, raising funds to empower differently-abled athletes and promote inclusion through sport a cause that lies at the very heart of this event

With preparations well underway, the 2026 Mimosa Mall Marathon hosted in association with Bloemfontein Striders, is set to deliver an even more elevated experience

The marathon will once again be an official Comrades qualifier race and offer runners the chance to test their endurance on a fast, scenic and well-supported route through the city

Runners and supporters can look forward to refreshed race-day experiences, lively activations, and a true celebration of Bloemfonteins commu-

nity spirit, all centred around the heartbeat of the city, Mimosa Mall

“The response to this year ’ s marathon was beyond anything we imagined ” says Neelofar Issa general manager of Mimosa Mall

Seeing the streets come alive with runners families and supporters reminded us how powerful sport can be in uniting a community The Mimosa Mall Marathon has truly become more than a race it’s a shared moment of pride for our city culture and community and we can’t wait to make 2026 even more extraordinary

Jeannine van Zyl, general manager of Novus Media Community News in the Free State and Northern Cape, has also expressed excitement about the 2026 event

It is a privilege to be the media sponsor of the Mimosa Mall Marathon for the second consecutive year There was such a wonderful atmosphere on race day this year and we are sure there will be more runners that want to be part of the 2026 event

“We look forward to seeing how the race grows getting more and more of our readers involved and active When we come together as a community in this way we ’ re not only building health and fitness we ’ re also building overall wellbeing and a healthy mind An event like this strengthens what connects our people: perseverance, togetherness and having fun ”

■ Get more information in BloemExpress in the following weeks

LOOKING FOR

working or broken fridges, washing machines, Transformers, electric pumps and electric motors, LCD TVs, hi-fi's and furniture to buy and repair. Call 074 850 6366 073 257 4565

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2. Notice is hereby given, in terms of the National E n v i r o n m e n t a l Management Act, 1998 (Act No 107 of 1998) (NEMA) EIA Regulations, 2014 (as amended) and NEM: Waste Act (Act No 59 of 2008), that Gemini S c r a p M e t a l ( t h e Proponent) is proposing

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Wednesday, 29 October 2025

Gallants determined to maintain focus

TEBOHO SETENA

The Marumo Gallants are inspired to continue their exploits in the ongoing Carling Knockout Cup when they meet tough opponents Stellenbosch FC on Wednesday 29 October at the Dr R P Molemela Stadium Kick-off is at 19:00

The sides advanced to the quarter-final of the tournament after defeating giants Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns via penalties The Gallants disposed of Sundowns with 7 6, while the Stellies beat Chiefs with 5 4, respectively on of 4 and 5 October

The victor between the Bahlabane ba Ntwa and the visiting Stellenbosch will automatically progresses to the semifinal The tourists from the Western Cape were the inaugural winners of the cup in 2023, after beating TS Galaxy 5 4 in the final Wednesday’s cup fixture is a repeat of last year ’ s match between Stellies and the hosts, who emerged victorious with 1 0

While the past result serves as motivation for a possible repeat, the Gallants’ head coach, Alexandre Lafitte, said he was expecting a tough encounter against Steve Barker’s charges noting their championship pedigree

The Frenchman, during a media conference on Monday, pointed out that his club’s elimination of Sundowns in round 16 of this tournament had bolstered confidence in the quest to win a major trophy

“I think we are confident of getting a good result in the cup match, having won our game against a strong team like Sundowns It is going to be a tough match against Stellenbosch, they are a good team,” said Lafitte

“All the players are focused, and they know how important it is to manage the game against Stellenbosch”

He is of the strong view that the team’s improvement signals an understanding of his philosophy of not playing one-dimensional football He is working on instilling an offensive and possession-based style of play

The Gallants are searching for their first

major trophy since returning to the country’s mainstream football The team went under the name Tshakhuma Tsa Madzivhandila (TTM) when t lifted the Nedbank Cup in 2021, beati Chippa United 1 0 in the final at the Toyota Stadium

The Gallants trio of Phillip Ndlond Mpho Chabatsane and Washington A fancy their prospects against a team w championship pedigree Wing defend Chabatsane has emphasised the imp tance of team effort

“It is important for us to score goal progress to the next stage, and remain solid in defense It is a better start for this cup same as last year, it is impo to focus,” said Chabatsane Arubi has stressed the importance the positive mindset and fighting spir

“Last year we ended in the semifin this year we are trying our level best to be better, to at least reach the final We have to keep on improving the positive attitude and keep the momentum”