File
Swift action by Free State police led to the arrest of four suspects for the murder of a 52-year-old farmer, while his wife who had been kidnapped was also rescued.
Captain Loraine Earle said the incident happened on Sunday on a farm in the Goedemoed policing area.
She said police rushed to the scene after they were alerted at around 07:00 by the farming community in Rouxville about the possible murder of a farmer.
“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.
She said as a result of effective collaboration between local stakeholders and the 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 with the wife still with the suspects.
“She was rescued and is receiving medical attention to determine if more charges should be added,” Captain Earle said.
She said during the operation one suspect was wounded and later died in hospital.
Earle said two women and a man found in the vehicle were taken in for questioning, while a firearm was found inside the car.
The investigation is ongoing and police were combing the crime scenes and following up on additional leads.
