The charges were brought upon the suspects after a body of an individual that has been reported missing for two months, was dug up outside Wepener. Two additional suspects and the objects that were used in the crimes - a vehicle and a hammer - are also still missing. Of the 11 suspects, only 9 were granted bail and the 2 suspects whose bail were denied are two foreign nationals. The suspects have pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

READ MORE: Decomposed body found at FS farm

It was on 30 November 2021 when the police made a discovery of a decomposed body at a trench dug along the R26 between Wepener and Hobhouse. The body is of one of the three African males that were kidnapped and assaulted by a group of people at the Caledon River at the Jammerdrift Farm on 24 September 2021. According to the Free State police spokesperson, Thabo Covane, the kidnapping is what can be regarded as an act of vigilantism, as the three victims were allegedly accused of committing robberies at foreign-owned stores in Qibing.

READ MORE: Community members of Qibing frustrated - Video

The community of Wepener feels what is happening to the suspects is unfair as they have been reporting the crime happening in town to the police, but nothing has been done. Mapaseka Hlutyana told OFM News that if the suspects are to be arrested, the entire community should be arrested; if not, they will reveal the names of the policemen who told them to go to the community for assistance.

OFM News