Two Lesotho men will appear in court tomorrow following their arrest in the early hours of Friday, 20 June 2025, during routine blue and white light patrols conducted in the Petrus Steyn policing area.
Free State Policespokesperson Capt Loraine Earle said the operation, which took place between 23:00 on Thursday night and 03:00 on Friday morning, was conducted jointly by members of Petrus Steyn SAPS and local farmers, as part of ongoing efforts to combat rural crime. During the patrol, a white Ford Courier bakkie was intercepted in the area.
Upon inspection, police discovered two Lesotho nationals, aged 28 and 32, in possession of various items, including an iron pole, farming implements, and copper cable. The suspects claimed the items were scrap metal and second-hand goods. However, they were unable to produce any documentation or invoices to verify their claims. The estimated value of the items is approximately R15,000, and investigations are ongoing to establish lawful ownership.
Both suspects were arrested on the scene and charged with possession of presumed stolen property. The items were seized and booked into evidence. The suspects remain in custody and are expected to appear before the Reitz Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 23 June 2025.
