BLOEMFONTEIN – The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Free State, Maj Genl. Solly Lesia, has commended the swift and coordinated response by the police, the farming community, and all relevant role players following the brutal attack on a farm in the Heilbron district in the early hours of Saturday, 1 November.
During the incident, a farm worker was shot and killed, while his wife (34) was sexually assaulted and stabbed. She was immediately taken to a local hospital, where she received medical attention.
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 11 males, were successfully traced and arrested. In addition, 22 stolen sheep, a firearm, a minibus, and household items were recovered.
Lesia expressed his appreciation to everyone involved for their dedication, cooperation, and commitment to ensuring that the perpetrators were swiftly brought to justice.
“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,” said Lesia.
The arrested suspects will appear before the Heilbron Magistrate’s Court soon on charges including murder, attempted murder, rape, robbery, and stock theft.
