BLOEMFONTEIN – The police in Bloemfontein are appealing to members of the public to assist with information that could lead to the arrest of two male suspects in connection with a case of robbery and attempted murder. The incident reportedly occurred on 31 August and it involved two women, both 21 years old, one of whom is hospitalised with severe injuries.
Capt. Loraine Earle, provincial spokesperson for the Free State police, said the men were travelling in a blue Toyota Corolla on the day of the robbery at a mall in Fleck Street, Bayswater. She said the attempted murder charge relates to a suspect striking the other victim with a vehicle upon fleeing the crime scene.
“The two suspects allegedly robbed two women of their cell phones and subsequently struck one of the victims with a vehicle. The incident occurred at approximately 16:10,” said Earle.
The incident has been captured on CCTV camera footage. Earle said the women reported that one suspect tricked them with a fake job promise upon meeting them on their way home.
“The women accompanied the suspect towards an alleged house in the Theal Crescent area. Upon reaching the vicinity, he allegedly told them that he required their cell phones to obtain security access passcodes. The women handed their phones to him,” said Earle.
Earle said the victims reported that the suspect then instructed them to wait while he walked towards a parked vehicle in the vicinity.
“The women became suspicious of his actions, whereafter the vehicle allegedly sped off. In the process, the vehicle struck one of the women and dragged her for more than 20 metres. The vehicle stopped, reversed and drove around the injured woman before speeding away from the scene. The victim sustained serious injuries and remains hospitalised,” said Earle.
“Members of the public are urged not to approach or confront the suspects, but to immediately report any information to the police,” she said.
Anyone with helpful information about the whereabouts of the suspects and could assist in identifying them is requested to contact Sgt. Mvula Ntjoko or Const. Palesa Maleho on 082 043 9522. Information can also be provided anonymously via the SAPS MySAPS App or the Crime Stop number 08600 10111.
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