Latest news with #BloemfonteinCourant
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Cybersecurity firm warns of ‘costly epidemic' as ransomware cripples SA firms
Bloemfontein-based cybersecurity firm Tanosec has issued a warning to South African businesses amid a 'dramatic surge' in ransomware demands and payments. The firm says this underscores a growing national security crisis. Bloemfontein Courant reports that, according to the Sophos State of Ransomware in South Africa Report 2025, the median ransom demanded in South Africa has increased significantly – from R2.9m in 2024 to R17m in 2025 – while median payments have also tripled, reaching R8m. The Sophos report also indicates that 60% of ransomware attacks in South Africa result in data encryption, a number that surpasses the global average. 'The numbers are alarming and serve as a stark wake-up call for every business operating in South Africa,' says Lawrence Lackey of Tanosec. 'Ransomware is no longer a distant threat; it's a present and costly epidemic that can cripple operations, tarnish reputations and impose immense financial and emotional strain on organisations and their employees.' The firm adds that compromised credentials, exploited vulnerabilities and malicious emails are the primary entry points for these sophisticated attacks. Beyond the ransom fee, the cost of an attack can be drastic, with an average recovery bill of R23m, alongside significant operational disruptions and reputational damage. Tanosec explains that only half of South African companies manage to recover within a week of a ransomware attack, indicating widespread unpreparedness. 'While the ransomware landscape is challenging, businesses can significantly reduce their risk with the right strategies and a trusted cybersecurity partner,' adds Lackey. As businesses grapple with the rising tide of sophisticated cyber threats like ransomware, individual consumers are also increasingly vulnerable to highly organised fraudsters. Investigative journalist Irma Green recently shared her own startling experience of being duped by a banking scam, highlighting how convincing these criminals can be – even to a seasoned professional. You can read her full account of how she was targeted and share your experiences here. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
15-07-2025
- The Citizen
Odendaalsrus shoot-out leaves 2 dead, suspect due in court
A 37-year-old man is expected to appear in the Odendaalsrus Magistrate's Court today after he was arrested by Free State police following a shoot-out in Odendaalsrus. Bloemfontein Courant reports that two men were fatally shot. According to Free State police spokesperson Palesa Thabana, an argument broke out between the victims and the suspect. 'Upon arrival at the scene, members discovered two African males lying motionless with gunshot wounds in their chests. It is alleged that an argument ensued between the two victims and the suspect before the alleged shooting. The two men were declared dead on the scene,' Thabana says. Police are yet to establish the motive for the killing. The suspect will face murder charges. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
09-07-2025
- The Citizen
UIF fraud case: More suspects to appear in Bloemfontein court
UIF fraud case: More suspects to appear in Bloemfontein court According to the NPA, more suspects are expected to appear in a Bloemfontein court today in connection with a UIF fraud and corruption scheme, reports Bloemfontein Courant. 'Additional suspects are expected to be added to the case and will appear in court on July 9,' said NPA spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane. Senokoatsane revealed a syndicate was uncovered that allegedly recruited individuals and used their personal information to submit fraudulent UIF claims. 'These claims were registered using legitimate company names – without the knowledge of the companies involved – and were processed as if they were valid. The fraudulently obtained funds were then allegedly shared among recruiters, the implicated government official and, in some cases, the identity holders themselves,' he added. With the Department of Labour having suffered a financial loss of over R1.5m, the accused face various charges including fraud, corruption and money laundering. Sixteen suspects who appeared in court earlier this week were granted bail. All 16 appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrate's Court on Monday for their initial appearance. Bail was granted as follows: Kelopa Bethuel Mahlatsi – R10 000; Kamoho Letuka – R3 000; Bongani Radebe – R2 000; and the remaining 13 accused – R1 000 each, Mojalefa added. The case has been postponed to August 25 for further investigation. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
25-06-2025
- The Citizen
Kidnapped Bloemfontein learner still missing as cop's case delayed again
Kidnapped Bloemfontein learner still missing as cop's case delayed again It has been three weeks since the kidnapping of 19-year-old Kamogelo Baukudi. SAPS have deployed maximum resources to find the missing Martie Du Plessis Special School Bloemfontein learner. Bloemfontein Courant reports that according to Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, investigations are ongoing and maximum resources have been deployed. Free State police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Covane told Bloemfontein Courant that external communication has been cut off due to the sensitivity of the case. The case of the 42-year-old police officer charged with kidnapping and extortion was first heard on June 13 and initially postponed to yesterday to allow for an ID parade with the victim, who is still missing. It has now been further postponed to Monday. Free State launches school safety campaign The Free State Department of Education launched the Provincial School Safety Campaign a week after Kamogelo's kidnapping. According to the department, the campaign aims to reignite conversations around bullying, gangsterism, gender-based violence, sexism, and substance use in schools. 'Our schools are not always the safe spaces they ought to be. For too many children, walking into a classroom comes with anxiety, not assurance,' said HOD Adv Tsoarelo Malakoane at the launch at Tjhebelopele Primary School in Bloemfontein. Motheo education director December Moloi shared concerning statistics, calling for intensified parental involvement and contributions from all corners of society. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
25-06-2025
- The Citizen
Man sentenced for photographing minor in Bloemfontein school restroom
A 29-year-old man has been sentenced in the Bloemfontein Regional Court after he was caught secretly photographing a minor in a school restroom. Bloemfontein Courant reports that the incident occurred on February 29, 2024, during a school sports day in Bloemfontein. According to police spokesperson Captain Loraine Earle, two 12-year-old boys entered a restroom after an adult male unlocked the door for them. While they were relieving themselves, the man discreetly took a photo of one of them. 'The second boy saw the act and immediately alerted his friend,' says Earle. 'The suspect claimed it was a joke, deleted the image in front of them, and left the area.' The matter was reported to one of the boy's mothers, who was present at the event. The man was later identified by the children as a contract chef working in the school's hostel kitchen. A case of crimen injuria was opened at Park Road Police Station. Due to the nature of the offence, the case was transferred to Captain Bez Bezuidenhout of the Free State Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations Unit. 'During the investigation, Section 24(b) of the Films and Publications Act [65 of 1996] was added,' says Earle. 'This allowed for the charge of creating child sexual abuse material, and ensured the suspect would be listed on the National Register for Sex Offenders and banned from working with children.' The accused pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three years' imprisonment on Friday, June 20, suspended for five years. The matter was prosecuted by Advocate Ronel Botha and presided over by Magistrate Zweni. Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane welcomed the outcome and praised the swift actions of the victims and the professional investigation that followed. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
