HERTZOGVILLE – Just hours after a violent house robbery in Hertzogville in the Free State, two suspects were arrested and a stolen vehicle and cash recovered.

It is alleged that the suspects entered a residence in Hertzogville at 02:00 on Monday 13 April, during which a victim was shot and wounded.

The suspects then fled the scene with a sum of money and an Isuzu KB Light Delivery Vehicle (LDV). It was also indicated that a silver getaway vehicle was used in the commission of the crime.

Upon receiving the alert, members of the Bloemfontein Flying Squad began a strategic search along the R700, locating the stolen Isuzu KB that was abandoned approximately 5km outside Bultfontein.

Whilst members of the South African Police Service in Boshof were securing the abandoned Isuzu, they spotted a silver VW Polo matching the description of the getaway vehicle, heading towards Bloemfontein. A pursuit ensued, supported by another Flying Squad unit approaching from the Soutpan direction. The vehicle was successfully intercepted between Bultfontein and Soutpan.

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The 37-year-old driver was apprehended, and cash was found in his possession. Just after 06:00, whilst Flying Squad members were returning to Bloemfontein, they noticed a male hitchhiking along the R700, approximately 2km from where the VW Polo had been intercepted.

As the officers turned around to investigate, the suspect attempted to flee on foot towards Bultfontein. Following a brief chase, the 40-year-old suspect was caught. He was also allegedly found in possession of cash and additional items.

According to a statement, police have confiscated the Isuzu KB LDV, the silver VW Polo, and cash. Both suspects have been arrested and face charges including house robbery, attempted murder, and possession of stolen property. Investigations are ongoing to determine if the suspects are linked to other crimes in the province.