| 2024/07/07 |
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Media Statement
FREE STATE – The Ladybrand Crime Prevention Unit swiftly arrested two of three suspects wanted for alleged house robbery on the farm district of Ladybrand after a farmer and his helper were attacked by three armed suspects wearing balaclavas who also fled the scene with his car, which was later recovered where it was in an accident in Ladybrand. It’s alleged that on Saturday, 6 July 2024 at about 17:00, the wife of the farmer, who was out of the province, tried to contact her husband on the farm several times but couldn’t get hold of him. She phoned a friend to go check on what was happening. At about 23:00, the police were informed and the rural safety coordinator activated local farmers. Upon arrival on the farm, the elderly woman who is working on the farm was found, but the farmer had already been taken to a local doctor by a family friend. It’s further alleged that three suspects wearing balaclavas and hand gloves and armed with a firearm found the woman on the farmhouse, pointed her with a firearm, and forced entry into the house. They found the farmer in the bathroom and pointed him with a firearm, demanding money. The suspects allegedly searched two safes but found nothing, not even money. Instantly, they took other valuable items, including the cellphone of the farmer, and left the scene with his Audi sedan vehicle with FS registrations. On 7 July 2024 at about 04:20, the Ladybrand Crime Prevention Unit team spotted the suspected stolen vehicle in the farming town and pursued the suspects. During the chase, the vehicle overturned in one of the streets in town, and two suspects were arrested while the third fled the scene.
The two suspects, aged 21 and 28, are expected to appear before the Ladybrand Magistrate Court on Monday, 8 July 2024, facing charges of house robbery.
Enquiries:
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