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Thursday 23 April 2026
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Couple face punishment MARTI WILL
During the storm late om Sunday, trees were uprooted, roofs blown off and structural damage to buildings was reported. PHOTO: WhatsApp
Nature displays rage Severe thunderstorms have battered the Goldfields area since Friday, with almost 100 mm of rain falling over Welkom, Odendaalsrus and Virginia.
The South African Weather Service issued yellow level-two warnings for severe thunderstorms, heavy downpours and damaging winds across the central and eastern interior, including parts of the Free State, on Sunday 19 April. A strong storm with lightning, thunder and hail struck the Odendaalsrus and Welkom area. Storm Report SA described the event as “the heavens opened.” Strong winds and localised storms were also reported near Riebeeckstad. Trees were uprooted, roofs blown off and structural damage to buildings was reported.
Virginia was hit by sustained thunderstorms throughout Sunday afternoon, bringing significant rainfall, hail and strong winds, according to reports from Storm Report SA. The area experienced multiple waves of thunderstorms throughout the day. Residents reported continuous rain until late afternoon, with a storm that moved in from the direction of Bloemfontein. A sandstorm was reported within an hour of the storm beginning, followed by heavy downpours. Strong storms were also reported in neighbouring areas, including Odendaalsrus and Welkom, with lightning strikes in Vaalpark and Sasolburg earlier that day. The windstorm damaged the Welkom police station and mechanical services building on Sunday. Strong winds broke several windows and uprooted
a tree at the police station. Corrugated iron roofing from the mechanical services carports was blown off and landed on the side of the police station. No injuries were reported. Service delivery continued unaffected. Residents of Motseki in Hennenman experienced flooding for the third time this year during severe storms on Sunday. Cllr Maxie Badenhorst said contractor assistance reduced damage compared to previous incidents. “The municipality is still struggling to get the excavator here and trying to get tyres for the low bed to transport it to Hennenman,” she said. The storms were part of a larger weather system impacting much of South Africa with cold, wet and windy conditions. Active weather alerts remain in place, particularly during the middle and latter parts of April.
An Odendaalsrus pastor (67) and his wife (55) were found guilty on Monday 20 April on charges including the death of a dog, sexual assault of a minor, and assault. Apart from the horrific killing of the bull terrier Leo, the pastor was found guilty of the sexual assault of a minor and the assault of Leo’s owner. He stabbed the dog more than 12 times. His wife was found guilty of the dog’s death and failing to report the sexual assault of the minor. Sentencing is set for 26 May. Both husband and wife remain in custody. The couple was arrested on 6 September 2024 at their home in Odendaalsrus. Their first court appearance was on 9 September 2024. The assault occurred on 3 September 2024 and was captured on CCTV. Capt. Stephen Thakeng, police spokesperson, confirmed at the time that the dog was stabbed several times at a house in Antimoon Street, Odendaalsrus. In 2024, Thea Smit, chairperson of the Virginia SPCA (VSPCA), said Leo had stab wounds in his mouth, face and neck. Smit said the court heard how the accused threatened his family with their lives while in custody. “Animal cruelty always goes hand in hand with serious acts of violence against all living beings. We wish to thank senior inspector Ernest Khakhau for his strength as he stands in court for Leo. Our deepest gratitude goes to State Prosecutor Charmaine Labuschagne, our dedicated investigating officer Anje Tait, the police in Odendaalsrus, the entire court team, and our veterinarian Dr Lelanie van Huyssteen,” Smit said. “Never in the history of the Virginia SPCA will it ever be written that we gave up. We do not turn away. We do not back down. The suspects have been in custody since their arrest, and justice will now follow.”
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