BLOEMOFNTEIN -The SAPS in Bloemfontein have arrested five men in connection with the alleged brazen kidnapping and murder of a 31-year-old man whose identity is yet to be revealed. Lieutenant-Colonel Thabo Covane, provincial spokesperson for the Free State police, said a dedicated task team led by Bloemspruit detectives nabbed the suspects shortly after the incident.
The suspects are aged between 21 and 34. The motive for the kidnapping and murder is still under investigation. Covane said the incident reportedly occurred in Phase 7, a settlement in the Bloemspruit area in the early hours of yesterday- Sundday.
Covane said that, according to the report, the victim’s alleged kidnapping by a group of unknown men followed a confrontation at a private residence. He said the deceased was enjoying drinks with friends when an argument broke out with a group of unknown men. Covane said that, following the heated argument, the suspects allegedly forced the victim into a black vehicle and drove away with him.
“At approximately 06:00, the victim was found lying on his back in the street in Phase 7 with multiple stab wounds to his face. He sustained deep wounds to his left cheek. A large rock and a small spanner were found near the victim’s body. Paramedics declared him dead at the scene,” said Covane.
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The suspects are expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court tomorrow, facing preliminary charges of kidnapping and murder.
The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Solly Lesia, has commended the task team for their rapid response and successful arrests. “The swift apprehension of these suspects sends a clear message that we will not tolerate lawlessness or the brutalisation of our citizens. As the South African Police Service, we remain dedicated and steadfast in our mission to ensure that perpetrators of such violent crimes face the full might of the law,” said Lesia.
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