Central SA
Three arrested for fatal stabbing in Bloemfontein, to appear in court─── KEKELETSO MOSEBETSI 05:00 Mon, 21 Jul 2025
Three young men arrested in connection with the fatal stabbing of a man in Mangaung are expected to appear before the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court soon.
The suspects, aged between 20 and 21, were apprehended shortly after the incident, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday (20/7).
According to police reports, members of the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit were on patrol in Bloemfontein at approximately 01:15 when they were alerted to a stabbing incident in the Mangaung area. Upon arrival at the scene, officers found the lifeless body of a male victim, believed to be around 30 years old, with a stab wound to the chest.
Free State police spokesperson, Sgt Mahlomola Kareli, confirmed that officers quickly acted on information gathered at the scene, which led them to several addresses in the area.
“Following up on the information, officers proceeded to several addresses in Mangaung, leading to the apprehension of three African men, aged between 20 and 21 years old. Two of the suspects were found with bloodstains on their clothing,” said Kareli.
Further investigations resulted in the discovery of the suspected murder weapon, an Okapi knife with visible bloodstains, which was reportedly hidden on top of a wardrobe. The trio was arrested on the spot and charged with murder. The motive for the fatal stabbing is currently under investigation.
Business robbery
Meanwhile, a man (23) is also set to appear before the Welkom Magistrate’s Court following his arrest for business robbery and possession of illegal weapons.
A suspect was arrested for armed robbery in Welkom. Photo: SAPS
The suspect is believed to have been part of a group that stormed a tuckshop in the 2010 informal settlement in Thabong, robbing the business of an undisclosed amount of cash and several cartons of cigarettes.
“Acting on intelligence-led information, members of the Vala Umgodi team launched an immediate investigation,” explained Kareli. Their search led them to Mohau Village, also within the Thabong area.
A weapon and firearm were discovered in the suspect’s home. Photo: SAPS
At around 13:45 on Saturday (19/7), police located the suspect in a shack. A thorough search of the premises uncovered a 12-gauge shotgun and a panga, hidden in the bedroom.
He said the suspect was promptly arrested and is facing charges of business robbery, possession of a dangerous weapon, and possession of an unlicensed firearm.
