According to reports, police were called to Long Road on Saturday, 30 August, at 11:00, where they discovered the lifeless body of a female. “The victim was discovered with open wounds on the back of her head. 

“According to reports, the victim left her home at about 06:00 on the day to perform cleansing rituals in the field. However, her daughter began to worry when the victim failed to return after some time,” said Sgt Palesa Thabana.

During the search, the family located the victim’s maroon Toyota Hilux parked alongside the road. A subsequent search of the surrounding bushes led them to the horrifying discovery of the victim’s body, which was found face down, partially unclothed, with her head covered by a jacket.

The Welkom serious and violent crimes unit is handling the case. Detective Sgt Modupe Thekiso is urging anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspect or suspects to come forward. Members of the public can contact him directly on 083 929 8149, or report any information anonymously via the Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or the MySAPS App.

In a separate development, Brig. Teboho Raymond Jacobs recently led a large-scale, multi-agency initiative, Operation Shanela II, across the Mangaung Metro. The planned operation targeted various crime hotspots, resulting in numerous arrests and fines.

Several drug-related arrests

“The team carried out foot patrols and stop-and-search actions in Bloemfontein CBD,” said Lt Col Thabo Covane. The efforts led to the arrest of several individuals for drug possession. 

Mosa Makhele, 22, was apprehended on Fichardt Street with three Mandrax tablets and 7.85 grams of Crystal Meth. In St George Street, Wayne Breede, 37, and Lebohang Chaine, 25, were arrested for possession of Mandrax.

Police also arrested Mbuqu Mongezi, 25, and Mokone Hlalele, 26, in Peet Avenue for possession of Crystal Meth and Mandrax tablets. Thabo Moletsane, 33, was allegedly found with 0.5 grams of Crystal Meth on Douglas Street.

Stop-and-search on Peet Avenue. Photo: SAPS

“More operational concepts were carried out in other identified crime hotspot areas, such as Ella Street in Willows. Four fines were issued for the sale of expired goods, foodstuffs, cosmetics, and disinfectants. 

“One suspect was arrested for selling event tickets without permission. One other suspect was arrested for possession of presumably stolen property,” said Covane.

Covane confirmed that planned operational concepts for Operation Shanela II are continuing in the Mangaung Metro.

OFM News/Refilwe Bekane mvh