A Free State farmer who shot and killed three alleged robbers on his farm on Thursday has been arrested on a charge of triple murder.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Motantsi Makhele says the 37-year-old Pieter Andre Swart, from the farm Boskoppie in the Kroonstad district, told police how he was overpowered by the suspects when he opened his door.
Brig Makhele says after a preliminary investigation was conducted at the scene, the investigators discovered a different version of events.
He says the farmer was taken in for questioning which led to his detention.
Forensic teams were on the scene on Friday to collect more forensic evidence.
Brigadier Makhele says it is a standard rule of law to press murder charges where there is a suspicion that any person seriously broke the law in the name of self-defence.
He says after post mortems have been concluded and more evidence collected a decision will be made as to which and if any further charges would be added.
Police also arrested two men and a woman, all in their twenties, who will be charged with conspiracy to commit a crime.
The farmer is expected to appear in the Kroonstad Magistrates court on Monday.
Algoa FM News decided to name the farmer as his identity is already known to the public following the initial report into the incident.
