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By Mpho Moloi
Ventersburg, Free State – Five suspects have been arrested following an armed robbery at a farm in Ventersburg, Free State. The robbery took place on September 20, 2024 when seven armed men tied up the farm manager and fled with stolen goods. A manhunt is still underway for three remaining suspects.
The incident occurred around 6am when 31-year-old Alfred Nkhata, a caretaker at the farm, was accosted by a group of seven unknown men armed with knives and a gun. The assailants tied him up with cable ties and held him at gunpoint, forcing him to cover his face with a blanket. One of the suspects, who was armed with a firearm, covered his own face with a cloth, making identification difficult.
The gang of robbers ransacked the farm and stole furniture, electrical appliances and other valuables. They loaded the stolen goods onto a trailer and used a white Nissan bakkie as a getaway car. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident. At around 10:00, the South African Police Service (SAPS) was alerted and a case of house robbery was officially opened.
Police response and investigation
Following the report of the robbery, law enforcement agencies in the Free State wasted no time in launching an investigation. On 21 September 2024, Ventersburg Detective Services, led by Commander Warrant Officer Sechaba Mothega, worked with members of the Meloding Visible Policing unit and the Welkom K9 unit to track down the suspects.
Acting on a tip-off regarding the whereabouts of the alleged robbers, the combined task force converted the information into operational form and approached a residence in Meloding Location. After searching the premises, the police made a major breakthrough. Several items stolen during the farm robbery were recovered, including the meat of two slaughtered pigs, which was taken during the robbery, as well as the white Nissan van and trailer used to transport the stolen goods. In addition, the police seized a gas pistol and several knives that are believed to have been used in the crime.
Arrest of the suspects
During the operation, five suspects aged 21, 27, 30, 35 and 46 were arrested and taken into custody. They now face multiple charges, including house robbery, possession of suspected stolen goods and possession of a firearm without a permit. The suspects were transferred to Ventersburg District Court, where they will appear on 23 September 2024.
The case has since been adjourned to September 26, 2024 for a hearing on a bail application. In the meantime, police have intensified their efforts to locate the three remaining accomplices, who are still at large. A manhunt has been launched and authorities are appealing to the public for information that could help track down the fugitives.
Concerns about community safety
The farm robbery has raised concerns among residents and farmers in the Ventersburg district, an area known for its vast farmlands and agricultural activities. Incidents of farm attacks and robberies, while not uncommon in some rural parts of South Africa, continue to be a source of fear for those living and working in these regions. In response to these concerns, local law enforcement authorities have assured the public that measures are being taken to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of the community.
Free State Police spokesperson Captain Stephen Thakeng stressed the importance of vigilance and community involvement in combating crime, particularly in rural areas. “The swift response by police in this case demonstrates our commitment to protecting the community. We urge residents to remain alert and report any suspicious activity to the authorities,” said Captain Thakeng.
Ongoing research and collaboration
In the days following the arrests, the police investigation has continued. SAPS investigators are now working to build a strong case against the arrested suspects, while intensifying efforts to locate the remaining three men who have evaded capture. According to sources close to the investigation, the suspects may have links to other criminal activities in the region and more arrests are expected as the investigation progresses.
The success of this operation underscores the importance of interdepartmental cooperation within the SAPS. The collaboration between Ventersburg Detective Services, the Meloding Visible Policing Unit and the Welkom K9 Unit played a crucial role in apprehending the suspects and recovering the stolen goods. Such teamwork is essential in addressing the growing problem of crime in rural areas, where resources are often limited and large areas need to be covered.
Warrant Officer Sechaba Mothega, who led the operation, commended his team for their dedication and swift action in bringing the suspects to justice. “This was a coordinated effort by multiple units and we are pleased with the outcome. The community can be assured that we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure their safety,” Mothega said.
The role of technology in crime fighting
As part of ongoing efforts to combat farm attacks and other crimes in rural areas, law enforcement agencies in the Free State have increasingly turned to technology to enhance their operations. Advanced surveillance systems, drone technology and communications tools have been deployed in certain areas to improve response times and aid crime prevention. These tools have become especially critical in areas where vast agricultural land and isolated properties can make it difficult for law enforcement to respond quickly.
In the Ventersburg case, investigators used a combination of traditional police work and modern investigative techniques to track down the suspects. According to reports, information from surveillance systems and tips from the community were crucial in locating the Meloding home where the suspects were hiding.
Public cooperation and professions
The SAPS continues to appeal to the public to come forward with information that may assist in the capture of the remaining suspects. While significant progress has been made in the investigation, the police believe that community involvement will be essential to bring the case to a successful conclusion.
Captain Stephen Thakeng reiterated the importance of public cooperation in ensuring the safety and security of rural areas. “We rely on the community to be our eyes and ears. If anyone has information on the whereabouts of the remaining suspects or other criminal activities, we urge them to come forward. Any information, no matter how small, can make a difference in our efforts to bring these criminals to justice,” Thakeng said.
Broader implications for rural safety
The Ventersburg farm robbery underscores the broader challenges facing law enforcement in tackling crime in rural areas. South Africa has seen an increase in incidents of farm attacks and robberies, posing significant risks to both lives and livelihoods. Farmers and farm workers are often vulnerable to such crimes due to the remoteness of their properties and, in many cases, lack immediate access to assistance.
In recent years there have been calls from various sectors of society for the government to take more decisive action in tackling rural crime. These calls have included demands for increased police presence in rural areas, better infrastructure and more resources for rural police units. The Ventersburg case has reignited these discussions, with many in the farming community expressing the need for more robust security measures.
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