The suspects, aged between 29 and 40, were arrested on the farm in the Harrismith district on Thursday (5/2). This followed an incident earlier in the day when they allegedly assaulted the farmer after he apprehended them for the theft of two laptops.

It’s understood on Thursday at about 10:00, the farmer drove from his farm to fetch one of his employees, leaving the farm unattended. Upon returning to the farm office, he noticed two laptops, which had been left on a desk, were missing.

The farmer immediately returned to the field where he had left his employee, who reported seeing three suspects running across the field.

It is further alleged that the farmer pursued them and managed to confront one of the suspects, questioning him about the theft. While he was busy, the other two suspects suddenly appeared and allegedly assaulted him by hitting him on the head with a stone, resulting in an open wound, said Free State police spokesperson WO Mmako Mophiring.

Private security officers responded promptly and came to the farmer’s rescue, he added. Security officers recovered the two stolen laptops and arrested the three suspects, who were later handed over to the Harrismith police.

The trio have been charged with housebreaking and theft, as well as assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. They are expected to appear before the Harrismith Magistrate’s Court on Friday (6/2).

The Free State had, in 2024, recorded the highest attempted murder cases between October and December. A total of 6,953 murders were recorded in the period, which indicated a 9.8% decrease in the whole country. 

Firearms remained the weapon of choice in murder cases, with 2,886 reported cases where people were killed.

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OFM News/ Kekeletso Mosebetsi cvs