BLOEMFONTEIN – Police in Bloemfontein have launched a full-scale manhunt for three unknown armed suspects in connection with a brazen robbery and the kidnapping of an elderly couple aged 73 and 67 in Bophelong location. The Free State police appeal for public assistance to trace the suspects, who are on the run. According to police, the incident occurred on Sunday at night.
Provincial police spokesperson Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli said the brazen robbers made fraudulent transactions and digitally transferred an undisclosed sum of money from the couple’s bank accounts. He said the robbers took appliances in addition to money and used the victims’ Suzuki vehicle in committing the crime. The suspects transported appliances and drive the victims from Bloemfontein to Botshabelo and back to their residence in Bloemfontein.
Kareli said a 73-year-old man and his 67-year-old wife were asleep at their home in Bophelong location when they were surprised by three armed males who gained entry by breaking a sliding door. “The suspects demanded cash while assaulting both victims. The suspects loaded household appliances into the victims’ Suzuki vehicle and forced them into the same vehicle.
“The suspects drove with them around Bloemfontein before taking them to Botshabelo. When there they locked them inside an unknown shack while the suspects performed fraudulent transactions and digitally transferred an undisclosed sum of money from the victims’ bank accounts using their cellphones,” said Kareli.
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He said on Tuesday, at approximately 04:00, the suspects drove the victims back to their residence in Bophelong, where they left them inside the vehicle, and thereafter fled the scene on foot.
Kareli said intensive investigations are underway into cases of house robbery and kidnapping.
Police appeal to anyone with information that can assist in identifying or locating the suspects to urgently contact Detective Lieutenant Colonel Sias Smit of Kopanong Detectives on 063 692 1196, call Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or submit an anonymous tip-off via the MySAPS App.
