Police spokesperson in the Free State, Ikobeng Hlubi, says investigations into the murder led them to the Pelonomi Hospital where one of the suspects was getting stitched for the injuries he sustained in the incident in question. It is suspected the deceased was the victim of a robbery at the hands of two men – including the suspect - that went awry after he fought back against his assailants. This, however, has not been confirmed by local authorities.

It is unclear when the 38-year-old suspect will make his first appearance in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court because he is still receiving medical attention for his injuries. Hlubi would not elaborate on the extent of the injuries or indicate how long the suspect will be in the hospital for. The spokesperson says the 22-year-old man, who has been identified by his next of kin, was found lying lifeless in the Joe Solomon Primary Schoolyard behind a pile of bricks, where construction is said to be ongoing.

Hlubi says the body was discovered at around 04:00 am, with a stab wound to the right eye. She says eyewitnesses informed police the deceased was chased by two men who were driving a minibus taxi in the early hours of Monday morning. Eyewitnesses informed police the assailants followed the deceased into the schoolyard, where they proceeded to attack him.

A second suspect is still at large, however, police say his identity is known to them and a second arrest is imminent. The Department of Education in the Free State is yet to provide comment on the incident. Investigations into the matter continue.

OFM News