An 80-year-old man from Kroonstad was arrested on Tuesday after the body of a man was found on a farm in the district. Police says more arrests may follow.
By Carien Kruger, senior journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad
In a statement issued late on Tuesday, 2 September, the South African Police Service confirmed the body of a young man was discovered on 20 August 2025, following a tip from the community.
This follows after a Bloemfontein task force followed clues that led them to a farm along the road between Kroonstad and Welkom, where the remains were found. According to the police statement, it is alleged that the deceased was buried on the farm. “Due to the advanced state of decomposition, DNA samples were taken for analysis to confirm the identity of the deceased.”
A docket has been opened on charges of murder and defeating the ends of justice. “It can be confirmed that an 80-year-old man has been arrested and is expected to appear in court soon. There is a possibility of additional arrests in this matter.”
Regarding the fact that media such as the SABC broadcast unverified allegations about the incident, the SAPS said in its statement it appeals to the community to allow the investigation to unfold in an evidence-driven manner and to refrain from spreading unverified information that could compromise the case. “The SAPS regards this as a very serious and sensitive case where a person has lost his life.”
There was a small EFF protest in front of a doctor and part-time farmer’s practice in Kroonstad on Tuesday.
