Police spokesperson Captain Stephen Thakeng said intensive investigation led to the arrests on Tuesday of three South African men and a Lesotho national for the murder of Sophie Gehring who was found last Tuesday with her head covered with a plastic bag and both her hands tightly fastened with a plastic rope. Jewellery and a cellphone were taken during the attack.

“A massive manhunt was launched and the investigation led the team to Odendaalsrus Correctional Facility today, 13 October 2015, at about 12:00,” Thakeng said. “The suspects were arrested in Thabong for the possession of an unlicensed firearm. A cellphone belonging to the deceased, as well as jewellery bought by her daughter on special occasions like mother’s day and on birthdays, were seized.

“The daughter managed to identify the cellphone and jewellery belonging to her mother. The suspects are facing a charge of murder and robbery. The investigation team was led by Detective Warrant Officer Elliot Khutsoane. The suspects will appear soon in Welkom Magistrate Court after being charged with murder and robbery. The suspects’ ages range from 26 to 29 years old.”

Acting Station Commander of Welkom, Colonel Thabo Ramootsi, said: “I would like to applaud members of Welkom Detective Services who were close to investigation under the leadership of Warrant Officer Elliot Khutsoane for ensuring that perpetrators of this heinous crime were brought to book to face the might of the law. Your effort in working around the clock is really appreciated. Keep up the good work.”

ANA