The other suspects must appear for a formal bail application. The case is expected to continue on Thursday (22/10).

On Thursday, 3 September, Fouriesburg police attended a murder scene at Mashaeng Commonage, where they found the man’s body. The deceased had sustained multiple bruises to his upper body and injuries to his eyes.

Investigations revealed he was a foreign national shepherd who had allegedly been accused of stealing a lamb. Free State police spokesperson WO Mmako Mophiring said it was further alleged the shepherd slaughtered the lamb near a local dam and threw part of the carcass into the water.

The investigation led to the arrest of an initial suspect who was allegedly found in possession of a cellphone belonging to the deceased. Further investigations resulted in the arrest of eleven additional suspects, bringing the initial number of suspects to twelve.

The twelve initial suspects, aged between 24 and 59, were charged with murder. Ten were foreign nationals, while two were South African nationals from Mashaeng township near Fouriesburg.

The five additional arrests bring the total number of suspects arrested in connection with the case to 17. Free State provincial commissioner Lt. Gen. Thabang Lesia welcomed the additional arrests and strongly condemned acts of mob justice.

“People suspected of committing crimes must be handed over to the police to allow proper investigations to take place. Taking the law into your own hands is not a solution to crime. Those found to have committed offences will be brought before the courts to face justice.”

Members of the community are urged to work with the police by reporting criminal activities and allowing law enforcement agencies to deal with suspected offenders within the confines of the law.

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