Three men have been arrested following the discovery of the body of a foreign national found concealed in a large refuse bag and dumped along the R26 outside Fouriesburg.

The arrests were made within 12 hours of the body being discovered, police said.

The man’s body was found at about 09:00 on Wednesday 9 September near Uitkyk Farm, about 5 km outside Fouriesburg towards Ficksburg. Police said the body, which had blood-stained clothing, had been hidden among trees next to the road.

The victim was later identified by his brother, who lives in Fouriesburg. According to police, the man lived alone and owned a tuckshop in Mashaeng township.

His brother last saw him on Sunday 6 September after they attended a church service in Bethlehem. Two days later, the brother realised the man was missing and that his white Toyota Hilux was also gone. He reported him missing to police.

Investigators subsequently traced the case to an 18-year-old grade 11 learner from Mashaeng, who was arrested at his school. Two alleged accomplices, aged 23 and 26, were later arrested.

One of the suspects was allegedly found in possession of 27 rounds of live ammunition.

Police said the investigation also revealed that the stolen Hilux had allegedly been sold in Gauteng.

The three suspects face charges of kidnapping, murder and theft of a motor vehicle. One of them also faces a charge of unlawful possession of ammunition.

They are expected to appear in the Fouriesburg Magistrate’s Court on Friday.

Free State police commissioner Lt. Genl. Thabang Lesia welcomed the arrests and commended investigators for their swift response.

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged kidnapping and murder is continuing.