Vista -E-Edition -30 July 2026

Security standtrial

MARTI WILL

TwoMatjhabeng securityofficers have appeared in theVirginiaMagistrates’ Court on chargesofcorruption andextortion followingtheir arrestinMeloding

Daniel Tshetu(44) and Lekitlane Patrick Linoko(42) appeared in courton Wednesday22July, after theywerearrestedaday prior in connection with an allegedextortion incident.

Accordingtoinformation beforethe court, the twoofficersallegedlyconducted an

unauthorised compliance inspectionata tuckshop in Zone 14, Meloding. During the inspection, theyare accusedofdemanding moneyfromthe owner Theincident wasreportedlybroughttothe attention of their supervisor,who alerted the police

Acasewas subsequentlyregisteredatthe Meloding Police Station, leadingtothe arrest of the twosuspects shortlyafter the alleged incident.

Following their courtappearance,Tshetu and Linokowereeachgranted bail of R1 000. Thecasehas been postponedtoTuesday 18 August for further policeinvestigation.

Robbers return to target same house

Welkom policeare appealing to the public for information following aviolent houserobbery in Doorn that left awoman assaulted androbbed before the same property wastargetedagain twodayslater Accordingtopolice,the robberyoccurredatabout 01:30 on Saturday, 4Julyatahouse in Lindi Street,Doorn. It is allegedthatfourmen forced their wayintothe residence before breaking open the bedroomdoorwhere amother and hertwo minor daughters had lockedthemselves.

Policesaid the suspects demandedmoney from the woman and allegedlyassaulted her duringthe ordeal

Thesuspects allegedlyinstructed the victim to open her banking application and transfer money betweenher accounts.Two of the suspects leftthe housewith the victim’s twobank cardsand three cellphones,whilethe remaining twostayedbehind. They later fled the scene. Theincident was reported to the police.

Twodayslater,onMonday, 6July, the same property was reportedly targetedinahouse-

breaking.Policethatthe suspects used ahouse keytogain entry. Following up on information received duringthe investigation, policearresteda44-year-old man who is believedtobelinkedto the crimes Theremainingsuspects arestill at large, and the investigation is continuing.

Policeare appealingtoanyone with information that could assist in tracingthe outstanding suspects to contact Detective Sergeant Andrew Lechesaofthe Welkom Seriousand Violent Crime Unit on 060 985 9330.

Debutlong in themaking

MARTI WILL

At just 19 years old, Thabong residentJustin L. Moselesele is already making his mark in South African literature with hisdebut novel, TheSocialMisery –a psychological thriller that challenges readers to question thenatureof reality, morality, andthe human mind.

Moselesele’s journeyasawriter began while he wasstill aGr. 10 learner at the Teto High School. What startedasateenager’sfascination with humanbehaviour has since developed into apublished noveland agrowing passionfor storytelling.

An introvertbynature, Moselesele says he spentmuchofhis childhood observingthe people around him rather than taking centrestage

“I wasalwayscurious about howpeople communicate, think

and understand one another,” he explains.“Beingnaturallyobservant made me questionhuman consciousness,behaviour andthe wayour environmentshapeswho we become.”

Thesequestions eventuallyinspired the central ideabehind The Social Misery

Thenovel follows Jason, a troubled protagoniststrugglingto distinguishreality from delusion whilenavigatinga fracturedsense of identity Through thecharacter’s psychologicaljourney, Moselesele explorescomplex themes such as morality, perception, mental health,and the influenceofpersonal experience on humanbehaviour

Ratherthanrelyingsolelyon suspense,the novelblends philosophicalideas with psychological tension, encouragingreadersto reflectonhow individuals interpret the worlddifferently.

“I wanted to explore what happens whensomeone’s beliefs,environment and stateofmind begin to

shapea reality that maynot exist.”

He says the inspiration came from his owncuriosityabout how the brainadaptstodifficult circumstances andhow people maintain a senseofnormalitydespiteinternal struggles

Although TheSocialMisery is his

firstpublishedwork, writinghas remaineda constantpartofhis life.

Nowstudyingatthe Tosa College, Moselesele spends his sparetime workingonhis second psychological thriller, TheCrooked Waltz, whichwill continue exploring philosophical questions through suspenseful storytelling.

Hisambitionistocreatestories that entertainwhile encouraging readerstothink moredeeplyabout morality,identityand the complexities of the humanmind.

Forayoung author who began writingasa high school learner in Thabong, the publication of The Social Misery marksthe beginning of what he hopes will be along writingcareer.

With adistinctiveinterestin psychology,philosophy and suspense, Moselesele is emergingas one of the Free State’spromising young literaryvoices,provingthat powerful stories canbegin with nothingmorethancuriosityand a notebook.

AWARD SUCCESS

Unemployedyouths boosted through skills programme

Atotal of 120 unemployedyouths from Melodingare takingpartina youth development programme aimedatequipping themwith practicallife skills,employabilitytrainingand entrepreneurship skills

TheOut-of-SchoolYouth Communities and Justice Programme,presented by the Safer South AfricaFoundation (SSAF) in partnership with HarmonyGold MiningCompany Limited,

isbeingrolled outinMelodinginthe Free State.

Theprogramme began on 20 July andconcludes on 27 July

Theprogramme combines classroomlearning with practicalexperiences.Topics include crimeprevention, thecriminal justice system, substance abuse, gender-based violence (GBV), mental health, financial literacy,constitutional rights,employability, correctionalservices,ca-

reer development andentrepreneurship.Aspart of experiential learning, participants visit correctionalfacilities to gain first-hand insightinto the consequences of criminal behaviour andthe importance of making positivelifechoices

Anew featureofthisyear’sprogramme is askills development componentfocusingon social enterprise andbusinessenterprise.

“Every young person represents potential waitingtobeunlocked,”she said.

“When we invest in thosewho have fallen outside formal education,weare notmerely addressing unemployment.

Genl. Riah Phiyega, chief executiveofficer of the SSAF,said investinginyoung people was essentialtoreducingcrime

“Weare strengtheningthe social fabric of our communities.”

Project delays causes vexation

MARTI WILL

Questions have been raised over thefutureofthe long-delayed Welkom Airport redevelopment afterthe DA claimed that the originalcontractorhas reportedly appointedaDubai-based consultancy to take over completion of theproject.

Thedevelopmentcomes almost ayearafter the ambitious airportupgrade wasunveiledwith promises of economic growth,job

creation and renewedinvestmentinthe Goldfields.However, despite thosecommitments,little visibleconstruction hastaken placeatthe site DA councillorEstelle Dansey said the partyis seekingurgent answers from both theMatjhabengLocal Municipalityand the project’soriginalcontractor, SebastienLogistique,following reportsthatresponsibility forthe developmenthas shiftedtoanew consultancy.

Theparty hasalsodemanded arevised implementationplan,

includingclear timelines for when construction will begin and whenresidents canexpecttosee progress Dansey said continueddelays risk undermininginvestorconfidence anderoding public trust. TheDAhas calledonthe Matjhabeng LocalMunicipality to publicly clarify thecontractual status of the redevelopment, while urgingSebastien Logistique to explainthe reported appointmentofthe Dubai-based consultancyand the legalbasis forthe arrangement.

STRIVE WITH PRIDE AS COUNTDOWN BEGINS

MARTI WILL

With just threeweekstogo, excitementis mounting forthe 24th annual Mediclinic Welkom VistaEskom Athletic Club Road Race and FunWalk, whichtakes placeonSaturday 22 August Hosted by theEskom AthleticsClubFree State, this year’s eventcarriesthe theme “Strive withPride Celebration”.Participants canchoose between the 1,6kmfun walk or run, the5kmrace, or the 10 km race.Organisers are encouraging thecommunitytomakethisyear’s eventthe biggestand best yet.

In additiontopromoting healthylivingand sport,the race willalsosupport severalworthy beneficiaries, including the SANBS, Engo, CAN-

SA and the Charlotte MollHaven in Virginia. Theevent provides theseorganisations with an opportunity to raiseawareness of their important work within the community.

Entries arenow open viaentryninja.com. Manual entryforms areavailablefromthe Vista officesinStateway, Mediclinic Welkom, the SANBSofficesinWelkomand Kroonstad, the Charlotte MollHaven in Virginia and the Brandwag PrimarySchool in Odendaalsrus. Pre-entryregistration formanual entries will take placeatVirginActiveWelkom on Thursday 20 August and Friday21August.Lateentries willbeaccepted on race dayfrom07:30 Forfurtherinformation, contact the organisersvia WhatsApp-messageortelephoneon 072499 2602.

STEYN SMITH &PARTNERS

BID NOTICEAND INVITATIONTOBID SCM/TSW/02/2026-2027:APPOINTMENTOFASERVICE PROVIDER FORSUPPLY ANDDELIVERYOF9400m²OFGREY80MMINTERLOCKINGPAVING BLOCKSAT BULTFONTEIN TECHNICALDEPARTMENT OFFICES.

TswelopeleLocalMunicipalityherebyinvitessuitablyqualifiedBidderfortheAPPOINTMENT OFASERVICE PROVIDERFOR SUPPLYAND DELIVERYOF9400m² OF GREY 80MM INTERLOCKINGPAVINGBLOCKSATBULTFONTEINTECHNICALDEPARTMENT OFFICES. Bids marked for the attention of the Municipal Manager must be submitted in a sealed envelope marked “SCM/TSW/02/2026-2027: APPOINTMENTOFA SERVICE PROVIDERFORSUPPLYANDDELIVERYOF9400m²OFGREY80MMINTERLOCKING PAVING BLOCKS AT BULTFONTEIN TECHNICAL DEPARTMENTOFFICES must be depositedinthetenderboxlocatedatTswelopeleLocalMunicipalitynolaterthan14August 2026at12H00.Offices;No.1BosmanStreet;CivicCentre,Bultfontein;9670.

Tender documents willbeavailable from TswelopeleLocal MunicipalityWebsite www.tswelopele.gov.zaandwww.etenderportal.gov.zafromthe31July2026.

ThetenderswillbeevaluatedandadjudicatedinlinewiththeapprovedSupply Chain Management Policy of Tswelopele Local Municipalityusing 80/20 preference point systeminaccordancewiththePreferentialProcurementPolicyFrameworkAct

Thetenderswillalsobeadjudicatedandevaluatedusing:

1.Returnables.

2.Functionality

3.PPPCalculations=80Price

4.SpecifiedGoals=20(Race,Gender,DisabilityandYouth)

Thereisnositebriefingforthetender.

Tenderswhicharelateorsubmittedbyfacsimileorelectronicallywillnotbeaccepted.Prices quotedmustbevalidfor60daysfromclosingdateofthistender.Themunicipalitydoesnot binditselftoacceptthelowestoranytenderandreservestherighttoacceptanytendereither whollyorapartthereofortodisclosereasonsfortheirdecision.Tenderswillremainvalidfor 90(ninety)days.

EnquiriescanbedirectedtoMrLSMalokaseandMrSGTsoleliat(051)8531111duringoffice hours

MrTJMatyesini

ActingMunicipalManager

01BosmanStreet

ANEW CHAPTERIN EMERGENCY CARE BEGINS AT MEDICLINIC WELKOM

Theevent celebratedmorethanthe appointmentofa newemergency unit management team.Itmarkedthe startofa partnershipfounded on a commonpurpose:placing patients at thecentreofeverythingthe emergencyunitdoes.

With more than threedecades of experience in emergencymedicine

Welkom,22July2026 -The hallways of Mediclinic Welkom took on a di�erentatmosphereassta�,healthcare professionals andguests gathered to celebrate thebeginning of anew partnershipbetween Mediclinic Welkom andERConsulting Inc. Whilethe setting wasa hospital,the eveningwas marked by optimism,collaboration anda shared commitmenttothe future of emergencycareinthe region.

Swaai raketvir die Vrystaat

Die Oliver-susters DanicaenBreehet die Vrystaat op die nasionale IPT-muurbalkampioenskapsbyeenkoms verteenwoordig.Dit washul eerste deelname aan die toernooi.Bree het in die o.15-afdelingtalle wedstrydegewen en haarspan deurdie kwalifiseringsfasegelei.Die Vrystaat se o.15-spanwas uittweegroepe

Runners setthe pace

HarmonyStriders arepreparing to host their Day2Night 80 km circuit eventonSaturday29August, at the Hentie Cilliers High School in Welkom.

Theannualendurance eventattracts runnersfromacrossthe regionand has become ahighlightonthe localathletics calendar Runnersinterestedintakingpartcan dial 071 682 6615 formoreinformation.

Participation

Club members have been representing HarmonyStridersatraces both locally and internationally.

Twaneand ClaytonAnderson travelledtoBryanston to competein the Brooks Campus Race on 19 July,

taking on the 15 km event. Meanwhile, Cornelius Visagie and Yvonne Visagie representedthe club in Thailand, where theycompleted the Herban Era5km RuninBangkok on 25 July

Closer to home,HarmonyStridersmembers continuedtheir weekly trainingwith the club’s time trials on 22 July,producingseveral impressive performances JacobTseko setthe pace in the 8km event, crossing the finishingline first in atime of 28:20. He wasfollowed by ThapeloKhanali (30:13), Andre vanNiekerk(40:18), ChantelRheeder (47:06), JohanRheeder (47:09), Morne Nel(51:45), AndreEls (51:52), Deon Lodder (51:54),JackHarms (53:48), Deleen vanRooyen(59:00) and Johan Pretorius (61:30) The4kmtime trialproducedaclose

finish,with TshepoNkhobawinning in 13:23, just onesecondahead of Kananelo Sejentu(13:24) Reggie Mokhosi finishedthirdin 15:31, followedbyRaborokoMojalefa (16:25), Reheilwe Mayeza (17:30), Bongani Mpohlo (18:10),Skosana Lehlononolo (18:19), ThorisoMokhanedi (18:19), Rina Nel(26:14), Reghardt Bester (28:43),Lientjie Blom (30:39), RudolphRabie (31:00), Nico Dicks (31:10),Christa Els(31:27), Ishmael Dhlamini (32:30),MusoMolefi (32:30), and Julie Opperman and Christien Els, who both finishedin35:53. Theconsistentparticipation in the weeklytime trials reflects the club’s strong commitmenttopromotingroad running and encouragingathletes of allabilities to remain activethroughout the season