Vista-E-Edition-16-April-2026

Defencelessstillatrisk

MARTI WILL

TheWard30Neighbourhood Watch in Thabong,Welkom,has calledfor adedicated healthprotection component to be builtintothe R4 billion sanitation intervention announced for theMatjhabeng Local Municipality, warning that infrastructure repairs alonewill notaddressthe long-term damage caused by years of sewage spillages

ChairpersonPogisho Mholo is urgingring-fencedfundingfor health screenings,environmental recovery, and household supportfollowing the executivemayor’s fortnightlyimbizo in ward 30 on Thursday 9April.

Speaking after themeeting, Mholo said the communitywelcomes the funding commitmentfromthe National DepartmentofCooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), the DepartmentofWater and Sanitation (DWS), and National Treasury as announcedbyCllr Thanduxolo Khalipha, executivemayor

However, he stressed that residents need morethanengineeringsolutions

Theneighbourhood watchwarns that prolongedexposuretosewagepollution placesresidents at riskofhealthand environmental problems. PHOTOS: Supplied

Householdswheresewerage hassurroundedentireyards requireurgentmedical support.

moneyhas been specificallyset aside to addressthe long-termhealth implications?” Mholo said.

Theneighbourhood watch warns that prolongedexposuretosewage pollution places residents at risk of respiratoryillnesses,tuberculosisrelatedcomplications,skininfections, stomachdiseases, and long-term environmentalhealth conditions

Mholo said householdswhere sewerage hassurroundedentireyards requireurgentmedical support, environmentalclean-up,and monitoring by communityhealth workers.

alreadydone,”Mholo said.

Theneighbourhood watchhas warnedthatfailuretoaddressthe health consequences nowcould expose the municipalitytofuture civil claims from affectedresidents, particularly from ward 30, drawing comparisonstopublic health liability mattersconcerningasbestosthat have previously emergedinthe Free State.

TheresidentsofMatjhabeng especially children and theelderly,havelived for years with toxic odours,contaminated water,and polluted yards.

AccordingtoMholo,the executive mayorrespondedpositivelytothe concerns raised and undertook to bringthe matter to the attention of the DepartmentofHealth in order to develop along-term mitigation strategy TheWard30Neighbourhood Watch haswelcomedthis commitment and says it will continue to monitor whether health funding is ring-fenced alongside infrastructurespending In the comingdays, the Ward 30 Neighbourhood Watchwill launcha communitypetition callingonresidents across Thabongand the broader Matjhabeng area to sign in support of ring-fencedfundingfor household health screenings,medical referrals, environmental rehabilitation,and preventativehealth interventions, ensuring that the humanimpact of sewagepollution is treatedwith the same urgencyasthe infrastructure crisis,Mholo said. Donderdag, 16 April2026

“Theissue goes far beyond pipes, pumps, and treatmentplants. Res-

idents,especiallychildren andthe elderly in Matjhabeng,havelived for yearswith toxicodours, contaminated water, and polluted yards.

“Thequestion is,how much of this

Theorganisationiscalling for the DepartmentofHealth to be formally integrated into the five-yearsanitation project, with specificprogrammes forhousehold health screenings, collectionofsampleslinked to TB and respiratoryillnesses,medical referrals,hygiene education, preventative health interventions,and environmental rehabilitation.

“Itwould be irresponsible forthe

entireR4billion to be depleted on infrastructurewhilst the humancost of sewage pollution is ignored. We cannot repair the system and leave the peopleexposed to the damage

Nine police officers in court, suspended foralleged part in murders

Nine members of the South AfricanPoliceService’s Public Order PolicingUnitwerereleased on bail of R3 000 each,after appearinginthe Bultfontein Magistrate’sCourt on four counts of murder Theofficersappearedinthe Bultfontein Magistrate’sCourt on Monday 13 April.

SergeantsEdwardMokake(45), Shadrack Kabuza (45), and TselisoMohoboko(44), along with Constables Johannes Mohau (30), David Mofothi (31), Lebohang Senxesi(34), Ikan-

engMaropeng (42), Teboho Monaune (37), and Lehlohonolo Morapedi (38) face charges stemming from afatal shootingonSunday, 22 September2024, in Phahameng Township, Bultfontein.

Accordingtothe IndependentPolice InvestigativeDirectorate,the officershad responded to areportofadomestic dispute involvingmembers of the Maleka family. When policeattempted to apprehend thoseinvolved,the family membersallegedly lockedthemselvesinside a

houseand barricaded all entrances Officersthencarried outa tactical entry, duringwhich theydischargedtheir firearms Threecivilians, Mmota Maleka (36),Lobisa Maleka (28), andAndries Maleka(30) -were killedbygunshot wounds,alongwith afellow policeofficer,Const. Mojalefa Borole (30).

Forensic investigatorsrecovered 43 empty cartridgecases from the scene,indicatingthe extensivenatureofthe gunfire duringthe incident.

Thenine officerswerearrestedonSaturday

11 April, following aprolongedIPIDinvestigation that examinedthe circumstances surroundingthe fatal shooting. They appeared in court on Monday and were grantedbail despitethe seriousnatureofthe charges.

Thecasewas postponedto26May to allow the DirectorofPublic Prosecutions to determine the appropriatetrial forum, whether the High CourtorRegional Courtwill hear the matter All nine officers remain suspendedfromduty pending the outcome of the criminal case

Solarproject reachesamilestone

MARTI WILL

Mulilo hasannouncedasignificant breakthroughinSouth Africa’s renewable energy sector,successfullyreaching financialclose on theambitious MiddlepuntSolar PV project –a 337 MW solarphotovoltaic facility that will be strategically positioned 15km east of Welkom within theMatjhabeng Local Municipality

This impressive development, whichboastsa contracted export capacityof240 MW, represents a majorinvestmentinthe Free State’s emergingrole as arenewable energy hubwhilstcontributingsubstantially to the country’ssustainable power generation capacity.

JanFourie, chief executiveofficer (CEO) of Mulilo,reports that the R4,4 billion projectisalsothe first projectprocuredunder BidWindow7 of the Renewable Energy Independent PowerProducer ProcurementProgramme (REIPPPP)tohaveadvanced to financial close.

Middlepuntrepresents asignificant milestone not onlyfor the national energy programme,but for the local economyofMatjhabengasa whole

Dorp

Strategicallypositioned in theFree State, the projectfurther supports the region’sgrowing role as akey energy hub, leveraging its geographic location to unlock large-scale renewable energy developmentand contribute to national energy security

In the construction phase, the projectisexpectedtocreatelocal employ-

mentopportunities whilstsupporting small andmedium enterprises

Once operational, the facilityis expectedtogenerateapproximately 770 GWhofclean electricityannually and will connect to the EverestMain Transmission Substation, supporting grid stabilitywhilstcontributingto South Africa’s transition to amore sustainable energy mix

Although fewer jobs will be

se waterkrisis duur voort

MARTIWILL

Terwyl duisende inwoners vanVentersburg en Mmamahabane al vir meer as drie maande met onbetroubare watertoevoer sukkel, verkies die regering vandie dag, spesifiek die Matjhabeng-plaaslikemunisipaliteit om eerder R55 miljoenaan ’n sportstadion in Thabongtebestee. Inwonersenondernemings in die hoër delevan Ventersburg gaansedert11Januarie gebukonder watertekorte ’n Versterkerpompwat die gebiede moet bedien, is al vyf jaar buitewerking terwyl dit teen R120 000 herstel kan word Al drie boorgateisbuite werkingmet twee wat gevandaliseeriseneen wat weens swak vakmanskap ineengestorthet.Daarisook geen noodwatervoorsiening of watertenksomdie krisis te verlig nie.Die situasie het ’n hoogtepunt bereik oor Paasnaweek,toe vulstasies en ondernemings langsdie N1 nie basiesedienste konlewer nie.Dit het direk totgroot

Manie Pretorius,VF Plus-raadslid vir Matjhabeng,staan hierbyeen vandie gevandaliseerde boorgatpompe in Ventersburg.

FOTO:Verskaf

inkomsteverliese gelei. Nogtans hetdie raad die VF Plus se voorstel verwerp om die R55 miljoenwat vir ’n stadion begroot is,eerder te gebruik om diewaterkrisis op te los.Die burgemeester, Thanduxolo Khalipha, het onderneem om te sorg datdie munisipaliteit saam met Vaal Sentraal Waternaoplossings

salkyk.Manie Pretorius,VF Plus-raadslid in Matjhabeng sê die ANC se keuseom’n stadionbowater te prioritiseer,wys datsyprioriteitenie by die inwonerslênie “Water is nie ’n luukse nie, maar ’n basiesemensereg Die VF Plus salaanhoudruk uitoefen totdat diekrisis opgelos is."

sustainedduringoperations, Mulilo intends to make apositivecontribution over the facility’slifespanthrough its Social Impact Programme,with particular focusoneducation,healthcare, skillsdevelopmentand SMME development.

A20-yearPower Purchase Agreementhas been concluded with the National Transmission Companyof South Africa, further reinforcingthe role of transmission reform in enablingnew generation capacity.

Theproject brings together astrong consortium of partners,including Mulilo’s shareholdersCopenhagen InfrastructurePartnersand Norfund, alongside co-sponsorsReatile Group, Perpetua,and alocal community trust– demonstratingacollaborativemodel that advances inclusive participation and deliverslong-term shared value

Fourie said that reaching financial closeonthe MiddlepuntSolar PV projectmarks an importantmilestone for theREIPPPPprogramme and for Matjhabeng as astrategic renewable energy hub.

“Theproject demonstrates what canbeachievedthrough effectivecollaboration betweenlocal,provincial

and national government,”hestated. “Mulilo remainsfocused on responsibledeliveryand on ensuring that localcommunities benefitover the project’slifespan.”

Thanduxolo Khalipha, executive mayorofthe Matjhabeng LocalMunicipality, welcomedthe important investmentinMatjhabeng, sayingit wasencouragingtosee Mulilo's commitments made at the Matjhabeng InvestmentConference in October last year beginning to takeshape “TheMiddlepuntSolar PV project provides avaluableopportunity to stimulatelocal economic activity, includingjob creation duringconstructionand supportfor smalland medium enterprises

“Weare further encouraged by the plannedsocialimpact initiatives that will deliver much-needed benefits to ourcommunities,” Khaliphasaid.

■ Mulilo is aleadingSouth African renewableenergydeveloper and independentpower producer,specialisinginwind, solarand batterystorage projects.With adevelopmentpipeline exceeding30GW, Mulilo is dedicated to drivingSouth Africa’s transition to a cleanerand moresustainable energy future.

Artistsneed space to developtalents

Despiteabundanttalent, municipalitiesinthe Free Stateare stifling creativitybypoliticisingartsand restrictingaccesstohalls forrehearsal spaces,accordingtoadamning assessmentbythe South AfricanArts andCultureYouth Forum(SAACYF).

The findings emergedafter the SAACYF in theFreeState conducted oversightvisits to municipalities across the province to assess the state of arts development andcultural infrastructure.

“Wecondemn the blatantneglect of arts in municipalities by politicians who claimtorepresent the community. Theseofficials,responsible for managinghalls andcultural spaces, areinstead stiflingcreativityand talent,”saidLekgutsaMbele,provincial chairperson.

Mbeledescribed their actions as tantamounttocultural vandalism, prioritisingpersonalinterests over communitydevelopment.Aninvestigationrevealedsystemic problems affectingartists’accesstopublic venues andperformance spaces

In the Lejweleputswa District

Municipality, specificallythe MatjhabengLocal Municipality, the Ernest Oppenheimer Theatre– avital performance venueinWelkom –has been closed formorethaneight years. Artists in this municipalityare strugglingtoaccess11municipal halls due to politicsand favouritism, includingvenues such as the Phillip Smith Hall, the Indoor Sports Centre and the Odendaalsrus Community Hall.

Theprolongedclosureofthe Ernest Oppenheimer Theatrehas createda significant gapincultural infrastructure, forcinglocal artists to seek alternativevenues or abandonprojects altogether Thelackofaccessiblerehearsaland performance spaces has particularly affectedemergingartists who cannotaffordprivate venues

TheSAACYF’skey demands include the immediatereopening of the Ernest Oppenheimer Theatreand ensuring accesstoall municipalhalls

Theorganisation is callingfor an endtothe politicisation of arts whilst demandingprioritised accessto rehearsalspaces forlocal artists

LION CUBS RETURNED HOME

Twowomen, including apoliceadministration clerk, and aminor have been arrestedfor contraveningthe National Environmental ManagementBiodiversity Actafter attempting to sell stolen lion cubs forR100 000 each in Bothaville.

Elias Moloi (36)and policeadministration clerkMoketeElizabeth Dikoko(51), who is attachedtothe Bothaville police, appeared in the BothavilleMagistrates’ Court on 7April for allegedcontravention of the act

They were arrested alongside a14-year-old minor on 2April whilst attempting to sell four lion cubs.

Thearrests followed information received by the HawksinWelkom about individuals selling lion cubsillegally Acomprehensive policeoperation was arranged

During the operation, four lion cubswere recoveredand returned to their lawful owner in Viljoenskroon, where theyhad been taken from.

Dikokohas been released on bail, but facesadditional consequences as she is beingsubjectedtointernal police disciplinary processesrelated to her allegedinvolvement in the illegalwildlifetrade Bothsuspects arefacing potential significant penalties underthe biodiversity legislation.

Thematterconcerningthe minor child has been referred to the Department of Social Development

Youth equipped forpositivechange

As South AfricapreparestocommemorateFreedom Daylater this month, the Safer South AfricaFoundation (SSAF),inpartnership with the HarmonyGold Mining Company, has celebrated the successful implementation of its flagship Communities and Justice Programme at the Harmony High School in Virginia, Free State.

Atotal of 98 learnersgraduated from the programme duringaceremonytoaward certificates, held on Friday 10 April, markingasignificant milestone in advancingyouth-driven crimeprevention andsocialawarenessinthe province

TheCommunities and Justice Programme is astructured social crime prevention initiativedesigned to equip young people with comprehensiveunderstandingofthe criminal justice system,the consequencesof unlawful behaviour,and the importance of responsible citizenship

During the programme,several pressing challengesaffectinglearnersemerged, includingbullying, cyberbullying, substance abuse, and the increasingprevalence of vaping amongschool-agedyouth These issues were openlydiscussed,creating aplatformfor awareness, reflection and proactiveintervention.

Learnersengaged directlywith representatives from keycriminal justice and public sector institutions, includingthe SAPS;the Free StateDepartmentofCommunitySafety,Roads and Transport;the National ProsecutingAuthority(NPA); theDepartment of Justice and Constitutional Development; the DepartmentofCorrectional Services;and the BankingAssociation

South Africa (Basa), representedby Postbank

Through 11 structured sessions that commencedon23February, these stakeholders provided insightsinto the consequences of crime andthe functioning of the justice system The programme incorporated experiential learningcomponents, offeringlearnerspractical,real-worldexposureto the criminaljustice process. Learners observedproceedings at the Welkom Magistrates’ Courtbefore

visitinga correctional centre, where meetings with inmates offered stark insightsintothe consequences of crime These firsthandaccounts of lost freedomand missedpotential served as profound lessons in accountabilityand the value of choosing better paths

Financial literacy formed an importantcomponentofthe programme,with Postbank providing educationonresponsible financial management, includingsaving,

CAMP AGUIDEFOR CARE LEAVERS

budgeting, and awarenessof financial crimes such as cybercrime

Speaking at the awardceremony, SSAF Free StateProvincial CoordinatorPitso Mereko emphasised the importance of earlyintervention and youth empowerment.

“Thechallengesofbullying, cyberbullying, substance abuseand vaping arenot isolated issues –theyare symptoms of broader social pressures facingour youngpeople,”Mereko said.

“Through this programme,weare equippinglearnersnot only with knowledgeofthe justice system, butwith the confidence and moral grounding to make better choices and become ambassadors of positivechangewithin their schools and communities.”

Theinitiativefeaturedanessay component, invitinglearnersto reflectdeeplyoncrime prevention in their localenvironment. Thosewho excelledwill progress to participatein the Youth4SaferSouthAfricaDebate and Leadership Development, aplatform designedtocultivatethe next generation of communityadvocates and leaders.

Andrew Monnane,headmasterof the HarmonyHighSchool, highlighted the programme’s impact on the school community.

“This initiativehas made atangible difference in howour learnersthink abouttheir actions and their futures We have seen ashift in behaviour, awareness, and accountability. As aschool, we aregrateful forthis partnership,whichreinforces our commitmenttocreatingasafe and supportivelearningenvironment.”

Theaward ceremonybrought together learners, parents, educators and keystakeholderstocelebrate participants’achievements and recognisethem as champions of safer communities

As the SSAF continues to expand its footprint,the successofthe Harmony High School cohort stands as an exampleofhow collaborative, community-driven interventionscan shapea saferSouth Africa

Lost or destroyed Deed: T11140/2018

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Lost or Destroyed Deed: Deed of Transfer Number T5200/1966 FORM JJJ LOST ORDESTROYED DEED

Notice is hereby given in terms ofthe provisions of Regulation 68 made under the Deeds Registries Act, 1937,thatitisthe intentionto apply forthe issue of acertified copy of the Deed of Transfer Number T5200/1966 passed bySOUTH AFR ICAN B ASE MINERALS LIMITED in favor of ELECTRICITY SUPPLY COMMISSION in respect of PORTION 1OF THE FARM NIEUWE MOED 534, DISTRICT VEN TER SBU RG, PROVINCE FREE STATE, MEASURING 25,0163 (TWENTY FIVECOMMA ZERO ONE SIX THREE) HECTARES which has been lost ordestroyed. All interested persons having objection to the

FORM JJJ

LOSTORDESTROYED DEED

Notice is hereby givenin terms of regulation 68 of the Deeds Registries Act, 1937, of the intention to applyfor the issueofa certifie dc opy of T11140/2018passedby SIBANYE GOLD LIMITED Registration Number 2002/031431/06 in favor of SHAI MIKEAMOHAPI, Identity Number 641117 5198 087and LETSHEGO YVON NE MOH API, Identity Number 761109 0320 083, Married in community of property to eachother in respect of ce rtain E RF 8536 WELKOM, EXTENSION 7, DISTRICT WELKOM, PROVINCEFREESTATE IN EXTENT 1130 (ONE TH OU SA ND ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY) square meters HELD BY Deed of Transfer Number T11140/2018which has been lost or destroyed

Lost or destroyed Deed: Title DeedT1042/1968 FORMJJJ LOST OR DESTROYED DEED

Notice is hereby givenin terms of Regulation 68(1) of the Deeds Registries Act, 1937, of the intention to apply for the issueofa certifiedcopy of TITLE

Boedel Wyle: FDCooks Boed el nommer: 2035/2026

Boedel Wyle: JAMSlabbert Boe de ln om mer : 2260/2026

Estate late:M Manele Es tate Number: 8695/2025

8/ 20 24

KENNISGEWING AAN KREDITEU RE EN DEBITEURE In die boedel van wyle FREDERICK DANIËL COOK S, Identiteits nom me r: 610416 5034 08 7, met laasbekende adres te IBISSTRAAT 13, FL AMINGO PARK , WELKOM, VRYSTAAT PROVINSIE, 'n meerderjarige wewenaar wie oorlede is op 22 FEBRUARIE 2026 met Boedelno mmer : 2035/2026. KREDIT EURE en DEBITEURE word hiermee versoekomhulle eisein te dien en skulde te betaal binne 'n tydperk van dertig (30) dae gereken vanaf datum van verskyning van hierdie advertensie. JPDBOTHA WESSELS &SMITH INGELYF EERSTEVLOER

KENNISGEWINGAAN KRED ITEURE EN DEBITEURE In die boedel van wyle JO HA NNES ALBE RT MARTIN SLABBERT, Identiteits nom me r: 4802185051088,met laasbekende adres te PLAAS ERFDEEL 156, ODE ND AALSRUS, VRYSTAAT PROVINSIE,'n meerderjarige manlike persoon wie getroudwas binnegemeenskap van goedere metMARINDA ALE TTA JO HA NNA SLABBERT,IDENTITEITSNOMMER:5210160056 08 1enwie oorlede is op 21 FEBRUARIE 2026 met Boedelnom mer : 2260/2026. KREDIT EURE en DEBITEURE word hiermee versoek om hulle eisein te dien en skulde te betaal binne'ntydperk van dertig(30)dae gereken vanaf datum van verskyning van hierdie

NOT ICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTO RS IN DECEASEDESTATES In the estate of late MOTLALEPULA MANELE with Identity Number: 5408105054084and Estate Nu mber 8695/2025, amajormale in life married in community of property to Mafedile Julia Manele, Identity Number 690222 0949 08 6, with known address at 16978 New Je ru sal em, Motsethabong, Welkom, Free State Province,who passed awayon10May 2025. All creditors anddebtors arehereby calledupon to lodge their claimsand settle their debts with the executors withinTHIRTY (30) DAYS calculated fromthe date of publication hereof.

BOEDELS: LIKWIDASIEEN DISTRIBUSIE 4205

the Late:

Surname: THEUNISSEN

First Names: RICHARD JOHANNES

Estat eN umb er: 10012/2015

Ide ntity /P as sp or t Number: 4603265095080

Date of Deat h: 08/09/2015

Last Address: 97 IRIS ROAD, RESIDENSIA, ODENDAALSRUS, 9480

All persons having claims against the above-mentioned estate are required to lodge their clai ms with th e undersigned within 30 days after the date of publication hereof.

First Names and Surname of Surviving Spouse: EMMERENZA MARTHA MAGDALENA THEUNISSEN

Ide ntity /P as sp ort Number: 4810260093081

Name and Address of Executor or Authorized

Agent: NEUMANN VAN ROOYEN, 97 IRIS ROAD, RSEI DEN SIA ODENDAALSRUS, 9480

ADVERTISER NAME: NEUMANN VAN ROOYEN

ADVERTISER ADDRESS: P.O. BOX 4 WELKOM 9460

ADVERTISER EMAIL: admin3@nvrlaw.co.za ADVERTIS ER

TELEPHONE: 0833373894

REFERENCE: ASTYGER / ACARSTENS