LADYBRAND – Ladybrand police arrested a 59-year-old man from Manyatseng near Ladybrand after responding to a domestic violence complaint, which led to the discovery of commercial explosives allegedly concealed inside a house.
On Tuesday, 15 September 2026, police received a complaint of domestic violence involving an uncle and his niece. While attending to the complaint, police discovered commercial explosives concealed in a plastic bag inside the house.
The police immediately summoned the Bethlehem Explosive Unit, who safely secured and seized the explosives. It is believed that the explosives may have originated from the mining industry, as the suspect was previously employed in the mining sector.
The suspect was arrested and charged with possession of explosives. He is expected to appear before the Ladybrand Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 17 September 2026.
POLICE WARNING
Police urge members of the community to remain vigilant and to immediately report any suspicious explosives or other dangerous materials to the nearest police station.
Members of the public are warned not to touch, move, open, or handle suspected explosives, as exposure to heat, friction, impact or other sources of ignition may result in a dangerous explosion.
Anyone who discovers suspected explosives should move away from the area, keep other people at a safe distance and immediately contact the police. The area should be left undisturbed until it has been assessed and secured by trained personnel.

Bang Shift
Gatvol – fed up / had enough [ghut-foll] Meaning ‘filled to the brim’ and is used to describe someone who is very angry or tired of the same thing happening over and over again.Example: “I’m gatvol with that nonsense.” / “I’m gatvol that they keep losing all the time.”
Dahlia Bumble
Papua New Guinea: You have two cows. One eats the other.