By Bernell Simons
A suspected serial predator is on the run after allegedly using Facebook to lure women into meetings where they were later raped, prompting the South African Police Service (SAPS) to intensify thir search and warn the public.
According to police, a 32-year-old Lloyd McDonald, also known as Sizwe Jacobs, was linked to allegations of rape and conspiracy to commit murder in Mangaung, Bloemfontein.
Authorities and community members say his alleged modus operandi bears disturbing similarities to that of convicted criminal Thabo Bester, once dubbed the “Facebook rapist.”
Police spokesperson Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli said McDonald allegedly used multiple online aliases to lure women, portraying himself as polite and trustworthy before engaging in manipulative and harmful conduct.
In one reported incident, a 35-year-old woman said she met him on Facebook under the name “Shane Carson.” On 11 May 2025, she was allegedly invited to his home, offered a drink, and later raped after becoming disoriented. She reportedly managed to escape after asking to step outside for fresh air.
“Following intensive investigations, a warrant of arrest has been issued by the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court. It also revealed that Jacobs utilizes social media platforms, specifically Facebook, to lure and target victims under false identities,” said Kareli.
McDonald is also being investigated by Parkweg SAPS in connection with a case of conspiracy to commit murder. Kareli described the suspect’s alleged conduct as calculated and dangerous, warning that he may pose a serious risk to the public.
“The police urge the public to exercise extreme caution when meeting individuals from social media platforms. We are appealing to anyone who may have fallen victim to this suspect, or anyone with information regarding his current whereabouts, to come forward,” he said.
Comparisons to Bester quickly surfaced on social media, where users have labelled McDonald “Bester 2.0,” heightening public concern that a similar pattern of online manipulation may be emerging.
Several women have since taken to social media to share their alleged encounters with McDonald. Among them is Palesa Bopape, a former student at the Central University of Technology, who claims she too interacted with him online.
SAPS has urged anyone with information on McDonald’s whereabouts to contact Detective Constable Jessica du Preez of the Mangaung Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit on 082 527 7287, or to call Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Police have also cautioned the public to exercise extreme vigilance when meeting individuals through social media platforms.
By: Lerato Mutlanyane
In a world dominated by polished soundbites and scripted sincerity, South Africa is set to receive a refreshing dose of unfiltered conversation with the launch of Eintlek Let’s Connect, premiering on 9 February 2026 on SABC 2. The new talk show brings together an unexpected yet dynamic duo — the straight-talking radio voice of RSG’s Fran-Rico Lucas and seasoned television broadcaster Penny Lebyane — united by one mission: real, honest conversations. The feel-good show dives into the heart of what South Africans are talking about, blending trending topics, uplifting and inspirational stories, and deep, meaningful discussions with heart-warming features that leave viewers smiling. With authentic voices and everyday stories at the centre, Eintlek Let’s Connect promises relatable, engaging content — with a few exciting giveaways along the way. Bloemfontein-born radio and television presenter Fran-Rico Lucas is no stranger to storytelling. Audiences may recognise him from SABC 2’s 50/50, while radio listeners know his bold, familiar voice from RSG, where he tackles local issues and amplifies everyday experiences. His strength lies in creating genuine connections that make people feel heard. “My journey has been shaped by movement, people, and storytelling,” Lucas shared. “I was raised in a church-centred family, with a father who preached and a home rooted in music and community. That’s where my love for communication began.” Alongside him is Penny Lebyane, a respected media powerhouse with decades of television experience. From live interviews to investigative reporting and heartfelt profiles, Lebyane brings depth, poise, and structure — expertly framing conversations for the screen. “Penny brings calm and experience, while I bring curiosity and warmth,” Lucas said. “My role isn’t to teach, but to create a safe space where people can be themselves. When people feel comfortable, real conversations follow.” The show celebrates culture, creativity, food, and lived experience, allowing stories to unfold naturally without pressure or spectacle. Viewers can expect guest appearances from Gail Mabalane, Zakes Bantwini, Somizi Mhlongo, Buffalo Souljah, Siv Ngesi, and Jonathan Boynton-Lee, among others. Reflecting on his journey, Lucas said growth does not mean losing oneself. “This step is about expanding while staying grounded. Radio taught me how to listen and respect people’s stories — that foundation shapes everything I bring to television.” Don’t miss the premiere of Eintlek Let’s Connect on 9 February 2026, airing Monday to Friday from 16:30 to 17:30 on SABC 2.
By: Matshediso Selebeleng
Residents of Tzaneng in the Northern Cape took to the streets over the weekend to protest prolonged electricity outages that, they say, now last for days at a time. By Saturday, the community had gone four consecutive days without electricity and water, prompting residents to blockade roads with stones in a bid to draw attention to their plight. Residents claim repeated attempts to contact their ward councillor have been unsuccessful. When they eventually managed to get hold of the councillor, they were allegedly told that Eskom employees had already knocked off for the day. “We couldn’t reach the councillor, and when we finally did, we were told that Eskom employees had probably knocked off since it was Saturday. But this electricity problem did not start today; it has been happening for a very long time, and there seems to be no one willing to help us,” said resident Mosimanegape Moagi. He said the outages have had devastating consequences for households. “We are sitting in the dark, our food has gone bad, and no one is coming to our rescue. Even when we try to find out what the problem is, we are never given clear answers about when it will be fixed,” Moagi added. According to Moagi, the electricity cuts initially followed the load-shedding schedule for the area before becoming increasingly erratic and prolonged. “The power would go off in the morning, come back later in the evening for about three hours, then switch off again and only return whenever,” he said. Residents said they are exhausted by what they describe as a constant struggle for basic service delivery from the municipality. They stressed that restoring electricity is critical for children to return to normal school hours. Parents say learners have been sent home early since the start of the academic year due to the lack of electricity and water at schools. Julia Morolong, whose child attends Tselancho Intermediate School, said the situation has disrupted learning. “The children leave in the morning and come back around 12:30 because there is no water and electricity. The only time they can stay a bit longer is when we take buckets of water to the school so they can drink, but we can’t do that with electricity,” Morolong said. Residents also complained about confusion over responsibility for the power supply, saying technicians deployed to assist often claim they are limited in what they can do because the area receives electricity from Vryburg, despite being closer to Kuruman. At the time of publication, the municipality had not responded to requests for comment.
By: Bernell Simmons
The African National Congress (ANC) in Mangaung has officially set the stage for a high-stakes regional showdown, confirming that its 8th Regional Conference will take place from 13–15 March 2026. The announcement was made by the Mangaung Regional Task Team (RTT) following its ordinary meeting on 4 February at the Kaizer Sebothelo Building in Bloemfontein. The decision comes after a proposal by the Regional Working Task Team (RWTT). In a media statement issued yesterday, the RTT said final logistical details would be communicated to branches in due course to guide delegates. Regional spokesperson Sabelo Pitso said the RTT adopted the RWTT report and confirmed the configuration of regional sub-committees, with a strong emphasis on organisational compliance ahead of the conference. Branches have been instructed to conclude their Bi-Annual Branch General Meetings (BBGMs) within stipulated timelines and in line with ANC guidelines to ensure “credible and transparent” outcomes. Pitso stressed that all members in good standing must be allowed fair participation in branch processes. The RTT also noted the gazetted outcomes of the Municipal Demarcation Board and committed to engaging party structures on the implications for the Mangaung region. Echoing ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, the RTT warned against lobbying for national conference positions, calling instead for unity and discipline within party ranks. “The RTT continues to work closely with provincial structures to ensure readiness for the upcoming conference,” Pitso said. Leadership race heats up Behind the scenes, political manoeuvring is already under way. Sources indicate that Pitso is expected to contest a leadership position, despite reported grassroots support for another candidate. At the same time, regional spokesperson Ncamile Nxangisa is said to be under pressure from party members to enter the race for the top post, although she has not publicly declared her intentions. Regional chairperson Lawrence Mathae is widely expected to seek a second term — and could return unopposed if no challengers emerge before the conference. Mathae, who also serves as Speaker of the Mangaung Metro Municipality, reportedly enjoys strong internal backing. Insiders say his campaign message will centre on unity, organisational renewal and improved service delivery as the ANC seeks to rebuild public confidence ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections. Allegations resurface Mathae’s anticipated re-election comes despite corruption allegations levelled against him last year alongside his wife, Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae. Local businessman and New Beginnings CEO Patrick Phuti accused the couple of receiving substantial payments and luxury gifts. Phuti made the allegations public after his contract was terminated. Both Mathae and the Premier have denied the claims, describing them as malicious and baseless. A senior party source maintains that the allegations carry no organisational consequences, as no formal charges have been laid. “The step-aside rule applies only to members who have been formally charged or are appearing in court. In this case, neither the chairperson nor the premier meets that threshold,” the source said. The ANC’s step-aside rule requires members facing criminal charges to voluntarily step aside from party and public duties to safeguard the integrity of the organisation. Campaigning rumours dismissed Provincial spokesperson Thabo Meeko has dismissed claims that internal campaigning has already begun. “These are nothing but rumours spread by people seeking to distract the organisation. The ANC is focused on securing victory in the upcoming Local Government Elections and has not opened leadership campaigns,” Meeko said. However, information gathered by this publication suggests that campaign activity may already be spreading beyond Mangaung, with reports of similar mobilisation in Thabo Mofutsanyana and Lejweleputswa. Regional chairpersons Thabo Mokoena and Xolile Toki are reportedly preparing to seek re-election at their respective conferences scheduled for November — setting the stage for a province-wide contest that could reshape the ANC’s leadership landscape in the Free State.
By: Matshediso Selebeleng
The future of 19-year-old Khanya Mashee, a Grade 11 learner at Bluegumbosch Secondary School in Phutaditjhaba, hangs in the balance following a decision by the Free State Department of Education that has left him out of school since the start of the 2026 academic year. Mashee and his family claim that he has been unfairly denied his constitutional right to education after failing Grade 11 by just one percent, despite what they describe as consistent academic performance throughout the year. According to the family, Mashee has not attended school since the beginning of the year while awaiting the outcome of an appeal against his results — a situation they say has caused severe distress, as he continues to miss out on schoolwork and classroom support. Mashee’s parents, Julia and Likotsi Mashee, say they feel helpless and are pleading for their son to be allowed to complete high school without further obstacles. Julia Mashee alleges that when she collected her son’s third-term report card, his class teacher — who also teaches him Sesotho Home Language — told her that Khanya would “never set foot in Grade 12”, despite his overall performance during the year. She says she was shocked by the remark, adding that she had never previously been called to the school regarding misconduct or disciplinary issues. Julia further alleges that the teacher referred to her son as part of a “copying gang”, an issue she believed had already been resolved. In 2024, Mashee was caught cheating during examinations. He signed an acknowledgment letter with the school and was required to repeat Grade 11 in 2025 after failing the grade in 2024. According to the Equal Education Law Centre (EELC), an organisation that provides legal support where learners’ rights are prejudiced, a learner who has already repeated a grade — or who would not benefit from repeating — may be progressed to the next grade with appropriate support. Progression, the organisation explains, allows a learner who has not met the minimum requirements to move to the next grade, provided that tailored academic support is put in place. The EELC further states that progressed learners must receive structured support, which may include classroom assistance with the curriculum and assessments, and that progression should not occur without such support. The Mashee family says they have exhausted all avenues for assistance, including approaching the district office, but Khanya remains excluded from the schooling system. They also dispute alleged inconsistencies in Khanya’s attendance records. According to Julia, her son’s first-, second- and third-term reports indicate that he was absent twice in the first term, three times in the second term, and not absent at all in the third term. However, the fourth-term report reflects nine days absent in the second term, 13 days in the third term, and 28 days in the fourth term — figures the family says were used to justify his second consecutive failure of Grade 11. The family appealed the results and requested a remark from the Department of Education, but the appeal was rejected. In a letter dated 22 January 2026, written by school principal Ernest Mbhele and seen by Journal News, the school outlined reasons for rejecting the request. “The learner does not meet the minimum pass rate required in Home Language. The school never received any complaint during the year regarding distasteful remarks from the teacher,” the letter reads. “The policy on progression does not permit the learner to be placed in the next grade. The learner does not attend school regularly.” Free State Department of Education spokesperson Howard Ndaba confirmed that the remark process had been completed and feedback provided to the family, although the family disputes the outcome. “We strongly advise the learner to attend classes and continue learning,” Ndaba said. “He failed to achieve the required 40% in his November examinations and does not meet the minimum progression requirements as per the DBE 2025 Circular.” Ndaba added that Khanya was absent for more than 20 days, and that full attendance records were available to his parents.
By: Abigail Visagie
Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen took to the stage in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal, on 4 February to formally announce that he will not seek re-election at the end of his term in April — a move that has set off a high-stakes race for the party’s top position. With two prominent contenders emerging — Solly Msimanga and Geordin Hill-Lewis — the battle for leadership is shaping up to be fiercely competitive. Hill-Lewis has risen steadily within both the party and government ranks. In 2011, at just 24, he became the youngest Member of Parliament in South Africa’s history, marking an early milestone in his political career. He has served as Mayor of Cape Town since 2021. During his tenure, Cape Town committed significant funding to infrastructure development, spending R10 billion last year and allocating R25 billion over the current term. Hill-Lewis introduced plans to mitigate load-shedding by procuring electricity from independent power producers and enabling residents to feed excess solar power back into the grid. Under his leadership, the city has reported growth in employment levels. While critics have suggested that tourism receives priority attention, the mayor has also placed emphasis on affordable housing. In 2025, he oversaw the deployment of additional Metro Police officers and advanced the expansion of the MyCiTi bus service to improve accessibility. Throughout this period, the city has maintained clean financial audits and sound reporting standards. Beyond his parliamentary role, Hill-Lewis served as Deputy Provincial Leader of the DA in the Western Cape. He is widely regarded as a close ally of former DA leader Helen Zille, and comparisons have been drawn between his trajectory and Zille’s time as both party leader and Cape Town mayor. Meanwhile, Solly Msimanga stands as another formidable contender. He is currently the DA’s Gauteng Provincial Leader and serves in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature. Msimanga previously acted as the party’s spokesperson for Sports, Arts and Culture and Recreation in Gauteng, and has served on the Education and Economic Development portfolios. One of his most notable achievements was serving as Executive Mayor of the City of Tshwane for three years — a metro widely regarded as more politically diverse and socio-economically complex than Cape Town. According to the DA, Msimanga inherited a financially distressed municipality and turned a reported R2 billion deficit into a surplus within his first financial year as mayor. The party further credits him with overseeing the construction of 40 RDP homes, removing 900 political appointees from the mayor’s office, and launching an inner-city revitalisation programme aimed at restoring investor confidence. He also established the Tshwane Economic Development Agency, which reportedly attracted R1.5 billion in investment and contributed to the creation of approximately 1,850 jobs. Both candidates bring distinct leadership styles and governance records to the table. As the DA prepares for its next chapter, the question remains whether executive experience at metro level will translate into the national leadership the party now seeks.
