The Free State police have arrested a man (22) from Reddersburg in connection with a brutal gang-related knife attack on an 18-year-old victim. The suspect was expected to appear in the Reddersburg Magistrates’ Court on Monday 25 May, facing a charge of attempted murder.

Police said the victim had been admitted to a Free State hospital in critical condition. He was reportedly attacked during a clash involving members of two rival gangs in the town, 60 km south of Bloemfontein.

The gang attack reportedly occurred on 20 May at about 16:00 and the suspect was arrested a day after the incident. It is believed that the suspect is a gang member.

Lt. Col Thabo Covane, provincial spokesperson for the Free State police, said the arrest had been made following a tracing operation by members of the provincial Anti-Gang unit and Reddersburg Detectives. He said a preliminary investigation established that the suspect had allegedly attacked the victim with a knife when the victim attempted to intervene in a fight involving members of the rival gangs: the BTK gang (commonly known as “8”) and the Maroma gang (known as “7”).

Covane said the victim was a bystander and was not affiliated with either gang.

“He bravely attempted to intervene and de-escalate the fight.”

Apparently the gang turned on the victim and he was stabbed in the back three times. He was hospitalised in a very critical condition, stated Covane.