The tragic incident, which has shocked the community, took place on Sunday at their farm in the Goedemoed police area.
Free State police have arrested four suspects in connection with the murder of a 52-year-old farmer and the kidnapping of his wife from their farm.
The tragic incident, which has shocked the community, took place on Sunday in the Goedemoed police zone.
Murder
Police spokesperson Captain Loraine Earle said officers arrived on the scene after being alerted by the Rouxville farming community to a possible murder of a farmer in the area.
“Upon arrival, officers discovered the body of the farmer, who had been shot in the head. It was later determined that his wife had been kidnapped during the attack.”
Earle said as a result of effective collaboration between local stakeholders and police, the farmer’s stolen vehicle was tracked to a farm in the Tierpoort area.
“The Bloemfontein Flying Squad was activated and successfully tracked down the vehicle while the woman was still with the suspects. She was rescued and is receiving medical attention to determine if more charges should be added.
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“During the operation, a suspect was injured and taken to hospital where he died. Two women and a man were also found in the car and taken for questioning. Police found firearms in the vehicle,” Earle said.
Research
Earle said their investigation is ongoing, with police processing the crime scene and following up on additional leads that could potentially lead to more arrests.
Free State Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane commended all those involved in the operation to arrest the suspects.
“I would like to thank E2 stakeholders and the farming community for their prompt and effective assistance in apprehending the suspects. My sincere condolences go out to the family for their loss.
“A team of experienced investigators and experts will ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice,” Motswenyane said.
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Faizel Patel
www.citizen.co.za