Cooperation between the police and the community ensured that 13 suspects were arrested within hours of a brutal farm attack in the Free State.
By Carien Kruger, Senior Journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad
A farm worker was shot dead and his 34-year-old wife was sexually assaulted and stabbed in the Heilbron district early on Saturday morning (1 November). She is being treated at a local hospital.
The 13 suspects, two women and 11 men, were tracked down and arrested within hours, Free State police said. A total of 22 stolen sheep, a firearm, a minibus and household goods were recovered.
Also read: Crime in rural areas is ‘shockingly’ underestimated – Saai
Maj. Gen. Solly Lesia, acting provincial police commissioner, praised the swift and coordinated action by the police, farming community, private security companies and other stakeholders.
He expressed his appreciation for the dedication, cooperation and commitment of everyone involved to ensure that the perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice.
“This swift response and the successful arrest of the suspects show what can be achieved when the police and the community work together. We will continue to take effective action against any form of violent crime.”
The suspects will soon appear in the Heilbron Magistrate’s Court on charges of, among others, murder, attempted murder, rape, robbery and theft.
Also read:
KZN agriculture leads crime prevention initiative to protect farming communities
61 000 goats, 37 000 cattle stolen in livestock crime surge, reveals Stats SA
