Rian Mulder (56) and Raoul Hartman (59) were released on R300 bail each, while Alicha Brits (29) was remanded in custody.

The fourth suspect in this case was arrested in Secunda on Tuesday (1/7) and is en route to Bloemfontein to appear in the same court on Wednesday. Hartman is a former Hawks warrant officer who served until 2019 when he retired.

Hawks officials making the arrest on Monday. Photo supplied

The other two suspects made their first court appearance in the same court on Tuesday (1/7) after they were arrested on Monday. “The three suspects will be appearing again on Wednesday to allow the state to add another accused,” said Free State NPA spokesperson Mojalefa Senokatsane. 

“Additional charges might be added during their next court appearance. All three suspects were remanded in custody until their next court appearance.”

It is alleged that the victim (26) saw a Facebook advertisement in July 2022 for a job as a bartender at a gentleman’s club in Ferreira, Bloemfontein. She had a conversation with the owner, and arrangements were made for the victim to be transported from Ventersburg.

‘A search for the fourth male suspect continues’

A few days later, she was brought to Bloemfontein by the club owner and his driver. Upon arrival she was taken to the house of one of the accused persons where she was drugged, sexually assaulted, and repeatedly raped by a group of males.

She further alleges that one of the suspects was taking pictures during the ordeal, and she managed to escape through a bathroom window and sought help.

“A case was opened at a nearby police station and later transferred to the Hawks,” said Free State Hawks spokesperson Fikiswa Matoti. “A search for the fourth male suspect continues.”

The provincial Hawks head, Maj. Gen Mokgadi Bokaba has applauded the investigators for pursuing justice, regardless of who was involved in the crime.

Meanwhile, four suspects between the ages of 27 and 42 will appear in the Parys Magistrate's Court on charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances, kidnapping, and extortion of a man in two different incidents only a few days apart.  

The first incident happened on Friday, 20 June, when the victim (29) was lured to Klerksdorp under the pretense of finalising inheritance matters linked to military housing. 

‘The victim was coerced into handing over his bank card PINs’

“Suspects posing as police officers approached the victim and kidnapped him and extorted R8 000 under the guise of securing his release,” said Free State spokesperson Lorraine Earle.

“The second incident took place four days later in Parys when the same victim was attacked at a guesthouse by four armed suspects who tied him up, forced him into his vehicle, and later transferred him to another car.”

It is alleged that he was held hostage at an unknown location and coerced into handing over his bank card PINs before being released by another individual, she said.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame mvh