BLOEMFONTEIN – The Bloemfontein Police Flying Squad and the SAPS Parkweg Client Service Centre have arrested six men in connection with the alleged kidnapping and brutal assault of a 35-year-old man, who is currently admitted to a Bloemfontein hospital for treatment of his injuries.
The suspects, aged between and 18 and 40, were arrested in the early hours on Sunday morning, 31 May, during the ongoing Operation Shanela II.
The arrest
Sgt Mahlomola Kareli, provincial spokesperson for the Free State police, said the suspects had been traveling in two vehicles bearing Lesotho registration plates and were arrested after attempting to flee.
“At approximately 02:00, Parkweg police members were conducting routine patrols in the Lourierpark area when they noticed two stationary, suspicious-looking silver vehicles bearing Lesotho registration plates. As members tactically approached the scene, one of the vehicles sped off,” said Kareli.
He said members acted promptly to arrest the suspects before they disappeared.
“The patrolling members immediately intercepted and blocked the remaining vehicle, securing the two occupants inside. A nearby Bloemfontein Flying Squad unit spotted the second vehicle fleeing and immediately gave chase. The vehicle was successfully cornered in a nearby street, where four male suspects were apprehended.”
Upon searching the second vehicle, police discovered a badly injured 35-year-old man concealed inside.
“Preliminary interviews revealed that the victim had allegedly been abducted from his shack in front of his family, following accusations that he had damaged another individual’s window. He was then severely assaulted by the suspects,” said Kareli.
He said the victim was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment in serious, but stable, condition.
The charges
Kareli said all six suspects face charges of kidnapping, attempted murder, and malicious damage to property.
“Both vehicles have been seized as part of the ongoing investigation,” said Kareli.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 2 June.
