After years of warnings, petitions and repeated drownings, an 11-year campaign to secure Mangaung's notorious Heidedal quarry has finally reached the courts, with the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality seeking an order compelling the private owner to fence off the hazardous site.
Quarry safety activist Gregory Verner, who has been campaigning for the quarry to be secured since 2015, welcomed the municipality's legal action but said authorities should have acted years ago.
The municipality has obtained a provisional court order requiring the owner to show cause by 13 August 2026 why the interim order should not be made final. If confirmed, the order will prohibit the owner from selling or disposing of the property until matters relating to fatalities at the quarry have been resolved. It will also compel the owner to fence and secure the site in accordance with the court's directives.
The legal action follows years of complaints about the abandoned quarry and comes after a parliamentary oversight visit in November 2025 exposed serious safety concerns. Parliament found that the quarry remains an extreme public hazard, with water reaching depths of about 50 metres, steep embankments and submerged mining debris posing significant risks to anyone entering the site.
The oversight report also highlighted conflicting figures on the number of people who have lost their lives at the quarry.
According to SAPS spokesperson Warrant Officer Morne Koch, police recorded 15 drowning incidents between June 2001 and October 2025, resulting in 16 fatalities, including confirmed drownings and suspected suicides registered as inquests.
However, residents told parliamentary committees that as many as 51 people may have died at the quarry between the late 1970s and 2025.
The committees said the conflicting figures suggested the true death toll remains unknown, raising concerns over possible underreporting and inadequate investigations.
Verner said his campaign intensified following the drowning of 16-year-old Justin Jacobs in 2016. During Parliament's oversight visit in November last year, Justin's mother, Maggie Jacobs, told lawmakers that returning to the quarry felt like reliving the day she buried her son.
Parliamentary records indicate the quarry was previously operated by Coronation Brick and Tile, now Corobrik, and was never properly fenced or rehabilitated after mining operations ceased. Lawmakers questioned whether rehabilitation obligations had been fulfilled and whether the mine's closure complied with environmental requirements in force at the time.
The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources told Parliament that an application for a closure certificate had been submitted in January 2004, before the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act came into effect later that year, meaning the closure process was dealt with under the Minerals Act of 1991.
Despite this, the issue of rehabilitation remains disputed. Parliamentary committees noted contradictions between departmental records indicating rehabilitation had been completed and the quarry's current condition, which remains visibly dangerous and unsecured.
The South African Human Rights Commission also informed Parliament that it received a complaint about the quarry on 6 August 2021, raising concerns over child drownings and other public safety risks.
The Commission investigated whether mine closure obligations had been met and requested documents relating to environmental assessments and rehabilitation. However, parliamentary committees criticised what they described as the slow pace of the investigation, noting that it remained incomplete more than four years later.
The Department of Water and Sanitation similarly acknowledged delays in taking action. Water-quality tests conducted in 2016 detected elevated electrical conductivity and sodium absorption levels, while concerns were also raised about possible contamination, illegal dumping and wastewater entering the quarry.
The department told Parliament that it only issued a notice of intention to direct the owner to take corrective action in November 2025 following parliamentary intervention.
The quarry's depth continues to hamper search-and-rescue operations. SAPS Search and Rescue divers told Parliament that the water is about 50 metres deep and contains submerged mining debris, making recovery operations particularly dangerous.
"We have participated in approximately 15 reported drowning cases at the quarry," Koch said.
The parliamentary report further noted that diving regulations limit rescue operations because of the quarry's depth and the absence of a suitable dive chamber within the Free State or within a two-hour travelling radius.
For Verner, the court action marks the culmination of years of lobbying, petitions and attempts to compel authorities to act. He said he opened a criminal case in 2016 but received no meaningful response.
He later petitioned Parliament, leading to the joint committee oversight visit to the quarry on 19 November 2025, where police, government officials and community members presented evidence of the ongoing dangers.
Following the visit, Parliament recommended an urgent interdict preventing the sale of the property, the establishment of an interdepartmental task team, immediate measures to secure the quarry, and a hydrogeological study to assess contamination risks, overflow hazards and long-term rehabilitation options.
Despite welcoming the municipality's intervention, Verner fears the legal process could drag on.
"My only concern is that I don't know how long this legal battle will take. Summer is coming, and we know legal matters can take years to resolve. Meanwhile, the quarry remains unfenced," he said.
Nevertheless, he praised the municipality's decision to approach the courts.
"I personally welcome it, and I thank the mayor for taking that decisive and bold step, although it happened 25 years too late," he said.
Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality City Manager Sello More said the municipality had repeatedly attempted to compel the owner to secure the property.
"We previously issued compliance notices to the property owner under the municipality's Unsightly and Neglected Buildings and Premises By-laws, requiring remedial action to address the hazardous condition of the property," More said.
He said the owner failed to comply, leaving the municipality with no option but to seek legal intervention.
"The evidence before the court demonstrates the urgent need for measures to protect human life. We will continue taking all lawful steps necessary to address the danger," More said.
For Verner and the families who have lost loved ones, however, the priority remains preventing another tragedy.
The property owner has until 13 August 2026 to convince the court why the provisional order should not be made final.
A vibrant new chapter for the Mangaung African Cultural Festival (MACUFE) has officially been unveiled. On 31 July, the Free State MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Hon. Ntombizanele Sifuba, took to the podium at the Bloemfontein Anglo-Boer War Museum to launch the highly anticipated 2026 edition of the province's flagship cultural event.
The high-profile launch was well-attended by key stakeholders who gathered to signal their support. Among the stakeholders were representatives from the Free State Arts and Culture statutory bodies, Free State Sport Confederation President Edward Saunderson, and the House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders. Also in attendance were Provincial Heritage Resources Authority (PRHA) representative Rev. Thabiso Mashiloane, Portfolio Committee Chair Hon. Zama Sigwebela, the HOD of COGTA, the Acting CEO of the Performing Arts Centre of the Free State (PACOFS), and Mr Brian Mokete representing ABSA.
Following the opening performance of the national anthem, Vincent Khetha, Chief Director of Cultural Affairs, welcomed guests and outlined the event's core purpose. He emphasised that MACUFE has evolved into a vital platform where local artistry, heritage, and culture truly come alive to preserve the province's rich history.
Offering a message of support, Portfolio Committee Chairperson Hon. Zama Sigwebela praised the festival's enduring impact and economic viability “It is an event that lives in our memories forever," Sigwebela said. "It connects the people, brings people together to showcase their talent, to network, and to ensure that all artists, businesses, and communities become successful.
As the portfolio committee, we see the value for money in this particular programme. We want the MEC and the departmental staff to continue so that MACUFE becomes the greatest event throughout the history of the province. “Attendees were reminded of MACUFE's power as an international fixture that fosters deep social cohesion—recalling the iconic October 2008 installation where a rainy setting brought together thousands of strangers in unity during Maxwell’s performance.
In her keynote address, MEC Ntombizanele Sifuba began with a sombre tribute to the recently passed Free State gospel artist, Itu, who had been a beloved performer at previous MACUFE Gospel installations.MEC Sifuba detailed the deliberate transformation the festival has undergone since 2022 to realign with its core mission. Following a two-year absence, the event was re-established last year on 1 August as a "recalibrated and reimagined" programme.
Part of this strategic shift included moving the primary festival dates to September to directly coincide with National Heritage Month. “As part of this repurposing and reimagining, the festival was last year staged in September, which is the month in which we celebrate our cultural heritage," MEC Sifuba stated. "This is part of our resolve to emphasise that MACUFE is not only a music and entertainment event, but a fundamentally cultural programme.
The launch concluded with the thrilling announcement of the 2026 artist lineup, which promises a heavy blend of local legends and contemporary stars across various genres. Comedy will have Shaun Dihoro, Spooknik, Mashabela, and Nthaby, while the Divas Concert will be headlined by Zonke, Lira, Puleng Phoofolo, and Sinazo Moloi. The Amapiano vs Hip-Hop will feature Khuli Chana, Murda, and Emtee. Gospel Music Festival will be Showcasing Winnie Mashaba, Lebo Sekgobela, and Puleng March. The flagship Main Festival, scheduled for 12 September, will boast performances by Sannere, Khaya, the Jaziel Brothers, Zonke, Lira, Thabiso wa Maluti, the Peter Nthwane Band, and Semito. Organisers also confirmed that negotiations are currently underway to secure world-renowned music icon Salif Keita as this year’s international headline act, promising an unforgettable celebration of African music and culture.
A 66-year-old Free State man has been sentenced to 15 years' direct imprisonment for repeatedly raping his younger sister over a six-year period, with the Phuthaditjhaba Regional Court finding him guilty of offences committed between 1993 and 1999.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) stated that the accused's identity is being withheld to protect the complainant and her family.
According to evidence before the court, the abuse began in October 1993 when the complainant was 10 years old and the accused was 30. He repeatedly raped and assaulted her at their family home, often during the night and sometimes during the day whenever they were alone.
The complainant tried to report the abuse to her father, but his poor health prevented him from helping her. She later fell pregnant at the age of 16 and gave birth to a son fathered by the accused. Despite rebuilding her life and becoming a teacher, she continued to suffer emotional and psychological trauma.
After receiving psychological counselling, she reported the matter to police in December 2018. The case was initially withdrawn after it was found there was insufficient evidence to prosecute.
The complainant later approached prosecutor Didimalang Celestial Sebogo to review the matter. After examining the case docket and working with the investigating officer to obtain DNA evidence, the State confirmed the accused was the biological father of the complainant's son. The matter was then enrolled for prosecution.
During sentencing, the State argued the accused had betrayed his duty as a protector, showed no remorse and deserved a custodial sentence despite more than three decades having passed. The court agreed and imposed a 15-year direct prison sentence.
"The passage of time will not deter the prosecution of serious offences. Where sufficient evidence exists, the NPA will pursue justice regardless of how many years have elapsed since the commission of the crime." Said Mojalefa Senokoatsane, the NPS Regional Spokesperson.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorised the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate nine procurement contracts linked to the establishment and operationalisation of the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipal Police.
The investigations are contained in Proclamation 329 of 2026, issued under the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act. The SIU has been tasked with determining whether there was maladministration, irregular expenditure, unlawful conduct, fraud or corruption in relation to the contract.
Under Proclamation 329 of 2026, the SIU will investigate allegations of serious maladministration within the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, focusing on the establishment and operation of the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipal Police, as outlined in Provincial Notice No. 124 of 2019. The investigation will also examine alleged overpayments made by the municipality to suppliers, as reflected in its annual financial statements for the financial year ending 30 June 2024.
The investigation covers nine procurement and contracting processes, including contracts for branding and marketing material, corporate gift items, catering services, decorating items, structural condition assessments of the Civic Theatre, Gabriel Dichabe offices and the Housing Offices in Thaba Nchu, the upgrading, relocation and configuration of office space for the municipal police, the procurement of eight Toyota Corolla vehicles, the purchase of a fire truck, and the appointment of a panel of contractors for the construction of trunk routes for the municipality's Integrated Public Transport Network.
The SIU will also examine any unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure recorded in the municipality's expenditure registers for the 2022/23 and 2023/24 financial years. Investigators have also been authorised to probe the conduct of municipal officials, employees, suppliers, service providers and any other individuals or entities that may have been involved in the transactions.
According to the proclamation, the investigation covers allegations dating from 1 October 2016 to 31 July 2026. It also empowers the SIU to investigate any related conduct that occurred before or after this period, including instances where contracts were paid for but services were either not delivered or not fully rendered.
Responding to the proclamation, Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality City Manager, Sello More, acknowledged President Ramaphosa's decision to refer the matters to the SIU and would cooperate fully with the investigation.
"The Municipality recognises and respects the constitutional and legislative mandate of the Special Investigating Unit to investigate allegations of maladministration, corruption and related unlawful conduct, and will cooperate with the SIU within the framework of the law," said More.
He added that, because the matter is now the subject of a formal investigation, it would be inappropriate to comment on the specifics of the allegations or issues that may form part of the SIU's work.
Also stating that the municipality remains committed to the principles of good governance, accountability, transparency and sound financial management, and believes the investigative process should be allowed to run its course.
The Democratic Alliance in Mangaung had welcomed the SIU investigation, stating that the proclamation was an important step towards restoring accountability. “This proclamation marks an important step towards restoring accountability in the municipality that has suffered from years of mismanagement and corruption. Investigations alone do not restore public trust. Residents expect consequences,” said Werner Pretorius, DA Mangaung Mayoral Candidate.
The investigation could also lead to legal action if evidence of wrongdoing is uncovered. The SIU can pursue civil proceedings to recover money lost by the State, while potential criminal offences can be referred to law enforcement.
In the hopes of radically including people with disabilities in the EPWP programmes, the Free State Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (PWI) MEC, Dibolelo Manci, with the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), saw yet another significant milestone added to the EPWP’s approach to inclusion.
This was in the form of the Free State EPWP Disability Framework (FS-EPWPDF), launched in Parys, Ngwathe Local Municipality, on 27 July. MEC Manci, as the custodian of the EPWP in the Free State, attended the event to set the tone and call on EPWP implementers to change their traditional ways of conducting business and radically include people with disabilities.
“Ladies and gentlemen, today’s launch of the Free State EPWP Disability Framework marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Free State. We are not gathered merely to introduce a Framework; we are gathered here to implement it. Implementation means reviewing recruitment processes to eliminate barriers, ensuring accessible workplaces and providing reasonable accommodation,” said Manci.
The launch brought together stakeholders involved in advancing the EPWP and disability inclusion, including the National Department of Public Works, Disabled People South Africa (DPSA), DeafSA, the Association for Persons with Disabilities, the Society for the Blind, the Centre for Universal Access and Disability Support, Disability Support Services at CUT and EPWP implementing public bodies.
Manci said the framework represented a collective commitment to ensuring opportunities are not determined by physical ability, but by potential, determination and contribution to society.
Head of Department Molato “Steve” Tshabalala said the framework should represent a shift in thinking among implementing agents.
“The Free State EPWP Disability Framework should represent a significant shift in thinking, particularly among implementing agents. We need to move from compliance to commitment, from counting numbers to changing lives, and strive for genuine inclusion,” he said.
Manci said her department would lead by example, assuring stakeholders that the 2% minimum and 5% maximum recruitment threshold for people with disabilities would be achieved in the EPWP by the end of 2026.
Stakeholders also committed to strengthening disability mainstreaming, improving monitoring and data collection, working with municipalities and ensuring accessibility becomes standard practice.
At least four bus-related crashes have been reported in the Free State since Thursday night, leaving several people dead and hundreds injured.
The latest incidents occurred on Saturday morning, when Free State Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to three separate bus-related crashes.
In Smithfield, a bus overturned at the R701 T-junction on Voortrekker Street at about 04:30. Two people were critically injured, two sustained serious injuries and 64 suffered minor injuries. No fatalities were reported and the scene has since been cleared.
In Bethlehem, a multi-vehicle crash involving three buses occurred on the Bethlehem-Reitz Road. EMS reported two critical injuries, five serious injuries and 180 minor injuries. No deaths were reported.
A fourth bus-related incident occurred at the Reitz-Tweeling crossing, where a bus collided with a light motor vehicle, killing four people.
The Saturday incidents followed Thursday night’s deadly bus crash on the N1 between Trompsburg and Edenburg, where the death toll was later revised from 12 to 10 after authorities said some human remains had initially been counted more than once during the extrication process.
A total of 66 patients were transported to hospital following the N1 crash. Twelve were referred to Pelonomi Trauma Hospital, including four critically injured patients, one of whom is on a ventilator.
The N1 remains closed between Trompsburg and Edenburg as road recovery operations continue, with motorists being diverted via the R717.
“Mass-casualty triage was implemented at the various scenes, with emergency services working alongside law enforcement and road authorities,” said EMS.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crashes are ongoing.
Motorists have been urged to drive with caution, reduce their speed and follow instructions from officials in affected areas.
