Illegal Mining Tragedy: South African police and SANDF mourn two soldiers who died after falling into an abandoned mine shaft during an anti-illegal mining operation in Gauteng, with authorities saying they were not trained for underground conditions and that 20 suspects were arrested. Police Condolences: The police ministry paid tribute to the fallen troops, while investigations continue into how the operation unfolded. Lesotho Court Case: In Maseru, a prosecutor told a defence witness in the army murder case of Maaparankoe Mahao that he is a colonel, not a major general, as cross-examination continues. Banking Reversal: Lesotho PostBank has reversed plans to relocate the Mapoteng branch after residents raised concerns about access and inconvenience. Public Data Check: Lesotho’s Bureau of Statistics begins verification and validation of 2026 Housing and Population Census data to strengthen reliability for national planning. SDG Commitments: Lesotho reaffirmed its push to implement the 2030 Agenda at the UN High-Level Political Forum in New York. AI Cooperation: Lesotho is named among founding members of the new World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO), alongside South Africa and other African states. Vehicle Safety Recall: The National Consumer Commission warns of a Ford transmission defect affecting some 2026 Transit and Tourneo models sold in South Africa and exported to Lesotho, urging free inspection and repair. Suicide Hotspot: WHO data flags Lesotho as the top African country for suicide rates, underscoring a serious mental health crisis across the region. Local Livelihoods: Quthing’s ROLL project is set to train communities in charcoal production to turn invasive shrubs into income, while nutrition clubs get refresher training to improve child health messaging.