BLOEMFONTEIN – Two additional women have been found shot dead in Bloemfontein, as the gun violence against women continues. The police in Bloemfontein have intensified the full-scale search to find suspects linked to three separate incidents which occurred within 24 hours.
The police have opened murder cases for further investigation. The identities of all three victims are unknown at this stage. Two women were found murdered in the Namibia Square area at approximately 01:50 in the early hours of today – Sunday, 8 February. The first victim was discovered in the Bloemspruit area yesterday – Saturday, 7 February. The victims are estimated to be in their late 20s and mid-30s.
Police confirmed they died from gunshot wounds.
Sgt Mahlomola Kareli, provincial spokesperson for the Free State police, said one of the victims found in Namibia Square was wearing light blue jeans and a green hoodie while the other was wearing a blue denim top with black denim jeans. He said both victims had gunshot wounds to the back of their heads. “Emergency medical services called to the scene pronounced both women dead. The Bloemspruit Crime Prevention officers who were performing routine patrols in Namibia Square made a gruesome discovery. Officers came across two African females lying on the ground near a residential property,” said Kareli.
The first victim found yesterday on the side of the road in Springfield was wearing blue jeans, a yellow striped short-sleeved T-shirt and white Fila sneakers.
Lt Col. Thabo Covane, spokesperson for the Free State police in Bloemfontein, said the body of the victim in her 30s was found on the side of Meadows Road in Springfield. He said the victim was lying on her back. She had three gunshot wounds visible on her temple, behind the right ear, and on the chest.
Covane said three spent bullet cartridges were found and secured at the scene. “Motor vehicle tyre marks were visible at the scene,” he said. A patrolling security officer reportedly discovered the body of the victim on the side of Meadows Road.
A multidisciplinary team attended the scenes for evidence gathering. These included the K9 unit, the Visible Policing unit, detectives and Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) experts. The motive for the ruthless killing is not known.
The police are appealing for public assistance in tracing the perpetrators. Anyone with helpful information is requested to contact the investigative officer, Lt Col Rankhala David Ramasoala, on 082 527 7390 and Sgt Morena Machalotsa of the Provincial Serious and Violent Crime (Murder and Robbery Unit) on 073 729 1732. Alternatively, information can be submitted via the My SAPS app or by calling the SAPS Crime Stop number, 08600 10111.
