The arrests relate to a request by Herkie Viljoen, Chairperson of the Bethlehem Regional Office, to the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, in October 2020, after a march in Senekal over the murder of farm manager, Brendin Horner, for the establishment of a task force to investigate allegations of police corruption and stock theft in the area. During the Minister's visit to the Bethlehem area, a document containing the allegations was handed to him. The suspects were expected to appear in the Ladybrand Magistrate's Court on Thursday 15 July, facing charges of stock theft, defeating the ends of justice and perjury. The livestock brokers will also face charges relating to the possession of unlicensed firearms.

A report containing details of the extent of the damage that recent veldfires in the Free State have caused, is expected to be released within two weeks’ time. This is according to Free State Agriculture MEC, William Bulwane. Bulwane spoke to OFM News after fires that broke out on Monday, caused extensive damage to the affected farms. Preliminary estimates have shown that the veldfires that began last week have caused damage to an estimated 70 000 hectares of grazing land. It is also estimated that about 26 000 hectares of grazing land have been destroyed in Tierpoort alone. Other towns that have been affected are Thaba Nchu, Koffiefontein, Jacobsdal, Petrusburg, Fauresmith, Kroonstad, Soutpan, Bultfontein, Bainsvlei and Edenburg. Farmers have reported losses of game animals, livestock and on-farm infrastructure. The department further stated that it will engage with various stakeholders and assist farmers with providing information on early warning signs of possible fires.

Meanwhile, Free State Agriculture has appealed to the public, those who are able to, to please make donations to help farmers who are in need. Visit the organisation’s website for more details.

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The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has sent a warning against burning vegetation during land preparation, disposing of cigarette stubs, matches and lighters, where they can potentially cause fire. The department says in a statement that accidents, deliberate acts of arson, burning of debris, and fireworks are causes of wildfires. The department's MEC, Desbo Mohono, has also cautioned the public not to throw bottles in the veld as they can magnify the sun’s rays and start fires. This warning comes after a number of veldfires have been reported in central South Africa and this raises an environmental management and sustainability impact concern, as the effects posed by veldfires include property damage, reduced soil fertility, destruction of vegetation, grazing land for animals, air and water pollution as well as destruction of wildlife.





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