The 26-year-old was arrested on Thursday on the farm where the incident occurred. He has been charged with two counts of murder.

Another man, 31, who was previously arrested after he was allegedly found in possession of blood-stained trousers belonging to one of the two boys, 9 and 14, has been charged. They were attacked and fatally assaulted.

The suspect will appear in the same court on Friday. “The 31-year-old is being investigated and questioned by police; however, he is not the alleged perpetrator,” said Free State police spokesperson WO Mmako Mophiring.

“The main suspect, a 26-year-old, was arrested yesterday following a thorough police search. He was arrested after he reported back to the farm, and people on the farm informed the police he was back, and that’s when they went back and arrested him.

“Police investigations are continuing. The motive behind the double murder is currently unknown.”

On Wednesday, the brothers, Reanetswe and Thabiso Lakaje, were allegedly attacked and severely assaulted by a known suspect on the farm for reasons that remain unclear.

The two boys were later discovered near the doorway of their home by a security guard. Both their hands and mouths were bound with a cloth. The security guard alerted the farm manager, prompting an emergency response.

Emergency services were called to the scene. The elder brother, Thabiso, was found deceased upon discovery. Reanetswe was still alive at the time and was rushed to a nearby hospital.

Despite efforts by medical personnel, he later succumbed to his injuries. Their mother was at work during the incident and was informed afterwards.

Free State provincial commissioner Lt. Gen. Thabang Lesia welcomed the cooperation of the farming community for not taking the law into their own hands, but instead informing police when the suspect resurfaced following the horrific incident.

Lesia applauded the police for their swift response in apprehending the suspect, stating that justice must prevail and that the family of the victims deserves closure.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame sm

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