Free State South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Captain Loraine Earle said in a statement that a farmworker from the Heilbron district was shot and killed, and his wife was sexually assaulted and stabbed. She was immediately rushed to a local hospital for treatment.
“Following the report of the attack, police members, working closely with the farming community, private security partners, and other stakeholders, launched an intensive search operation. Within hours, 13 suspects – two females and eleven males – were successfully traced and arrested.
“In addition, 22 stolen sheep, a firearm, a minibus, and household items were recovered,” Earle explained.
She said that while the police investigation is ongoing, the motive for the attack currently appears to be robbery. She added that the victims’ names are being withheld to protect the identity of the farmworker’s wife in light of her sexual assault.
Acting Provincial SAPS Commissioner Major General Solly Lesia praised the swift and coordinated response from police and the community.
“This rapid response and the successful arrest of the suspects demonstrate what can be achieved when the police and the community work together. We will continue to act decisively against any form of violent crime,” he said.
The suspects are expected to appear at the Heilbron Magistrate Court this week on charges including murder, attempted murder, rape, robbery, and stock theft.
A statement from Free State Agriculture (FSA) revealed that the Heilbron and Mafube districts are currently experiencing a wave of stock thefts and serious farm-related crimes, including housebreakings.
In a separate incident the same morning, farmers and SAPS intercepted another vehicle carrying 11 stolen sheep, making additional arrests and recovering the livestock, FSA said.
The organisation called for collaboration between farmers and police in tackling farm crimes: “Strong co-operation between farmers and SAPS is crucial to these successes. We urge all farmers to remain alert and vigilant and to report any suspicious persons or vehicles to their local safety structures and the SAPS.”
FSA also warned that farm-related crimes, especially stock theft, tend to increase ahead of the festive season.
