HARRISMITH – Police have arrested a man (26) in connection with the murder of two brothers at Toekoms Farm outside Harrismith. The arrest was made less than 24 hours after the attack that claimed the lives of Reanetswe Lakaje (9) and Thabiso Lakaje (14).
The suspect was arrested on Thursday 25 June on the same farm where the murders occurred. He has been charged with two counts of murder and is expected to appear in the Harrismith Magistrate’s Court on Monday 29 June.
A man (31) who was previously arrested after allegedly being found in possession of blood-stained trousers belonging to one of the victims has also been charged. He is due to appear in the Harrismith Magistrate’s Court on Friday 26 June. Police have confirmed that he is not regarded as the alleged perpetrator of the murders and continues to be questioned as part of the ongoing investigation.
According to police, the incident occurred at approximately 14:15 on 24 June at Toekoms Farm. The brothers were allegedly attacked and severely assaulted by a suspect known to them. The motive for the attack remains unknown.
The boys were discovered by a security guard near the entrance of their home with their hands and mouths bound with cloth. The guard immediately alerted the farm manager. Thabiso Lakaje (14) was declared dead at the scene, while Reanetswe Lakaje (9) was taken to a local hospital with critical injuries. The younger boy later died in hospital.
Their mother was at work when the attack occurred and was informed afterwards.
Police investigations led to the arrest of the wanted suspect after members of the Toekoms Farm community provided information regarding his whereabouts when he returned to the farm the following day.
Free State Provincial Commissioner Lt. Genl Thabang Lesia commended the farming community for cooperating with police. He said justice must prevail and expressed hope that the arrest would bring closure to the family.
Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the murders and the motive for the attack remain ongoing.
