This is the case in which the first accused, Raymond Katiso Leputla, was apprehended whilst driving a white BMW X5, belonging to Free State ANC Deputy Chairperson, William Bulwane. Authorities found an R5-rifle, a pistol, rifle magazines and about R 100 000 in cash in the vehicle at the time. Spokesperson for the Hawks in the Free State, S’fiso Nyakane, confirms the fourth suspect was arrested earlier this month and made his first court appearance thereafter. Nyakane would not elaborate on the details surrounding the arrest. Officials are reluctant to have his name released despite the suspect having made his first court appearance, saying that revealing his name places the investigation into the matter at risk. The suspect is in custody and will re-appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, November 22, where he will be applying for bail. Leputla, who is facing a number of charges that include possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession of explosives, and using a motor vehicle without consent won’t be applying for bail on Thursday, after abandoning his application altogether during his last court appearance. He is still in custody. 

Meanwhile, accused number two and three in the matter, Thabang Mahlaba and Obakeng Marumo, will remain out on bail. Mahlaba, a self-employed panel beater, and Marumo, a taxi owner residing in Thaba Nchu, were released on R8 000 bail each, on August 30. The two are facing charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances, after Leputla implicated them in his statement.

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