BLOEMFONTEIN – The Bloemfontein police’s investigation into the brazen home invasion by two armed suspects and theft of a vehicle has led to the arrest of one suspect and the recovery of a Hyundai Getz within two days.

Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli, spokesperson for Free State police, said members of a multi-disciplinary team under Operation Shanela II, breakthrough came with the arrest of a 39-year-old suspect shortly after the incident at midnight on Friday. He added that crucial information led to the arrest of the first suspect and recovery of incriminating evidence, including some of the stolen items.

Kareli said that the search was continuing for the second suspect who managed to flee in the vehicle. He said that members of Bainsvlei police, Provincial Anti-Gang Unit, Bloemfontein Flying Squad and Kagisanong Visible Policing nabbed the first suspect at a house in Rocklands.

“During a thorough search of one of the rooms, members discovered and seized an unlicensed firearm, pieces of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) uniform, suspected stolen SAPS trousers and various stolen bank cards,” said Kareli. He said continued investigations led to the recovery of the stolen car on Sunday.

“The vehicle was found abandoned near a house, Swanepoel Camp – Bloemanda. It was confirmed as stolen, and Local Criminal Record Centre experts were summoned to process the scene,” said Kareli.

He said the arrested suspect and his wanted accomplice ambushed a 53-year-old complainant and his brother upon arrival at their residence in Langenhovenpark at approximately 19:00.

“As they opened the residential gate and drove inside, they were allegedly ambushed by two armed and masked suspects while walking toward the house. The suspects held the brothers at gunpoint, demanding money and cellular phones.

After robbing the victims of their personal belongings, the suspects demanded the keys to the complainant’s vehicle – a Hyundai Getz which they used to flee the scene,” said Kareli. He said the arrested suspect is expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court soon, facing charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of suspected stolen property.

Police appeal to anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the remaining suspect to contact the Bainsvlei SAPS Detective Commander, Captain Thapelo Motseki, on 060 573 1267. Alternatively, information can be shared via the Crime Stop hotline on 08600 10111 or by dropping an anonymous tip-off on the MySAPS App.

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