Trio Arrested for Alleged Kidnapping, Murder and Theft of Motor Vehicle of Foreign National in Fouriesburg
The Thabo Mofutsanyana District Operational Crime Combatting Unit in the Free State has swiftly cracked an alleged murder case following the discovery of the body of a foreign national, which was found dumped in a large garbage bag along the R26 outside Fouriesburg.
The deceased’s bakkie was also allegedly stolen.
According to reports three suspects were arrested within 12 hours of the incident being reported, and 27 rounds of live ammunition were seized from one of the suspects.
It is alleged that on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, at approximately 09:00, Fouriesburg police received a complaint regarding a human body discovered by a community member while performing daily duties near Uitkyk Farm, approximately five kilometres outside Fouriesburg towards Ficksburg along the R26 road.
Upon arrival at the scene, police discovered the body covered with a large white recycling bag and hidden amongst trees in one of the camps next to the road.
The deceased was found wearing blood-stained clothing and was later identified by his sibling, who resides in Fouriesburg.
The deceased was reportedly staying alone at a rented residence and was the owner of a tuckshop in Mashaeng Township.
His brother last saw him on Sunday, after they attended a church service in Bethlehem.
On Tuesday, the brother realised that the deceased was not at home and that his white Toyota Hilux bakkie, with Free State registration plates, was also missing. He subsequently reported him missing at the local police station.
Information gathered during the investigation, led police to the first suspect, an 18-year-old Grade 11 learner from Mashaeng, who was arrested at school.
His arrest subsequently led to the apprehension of two alleged accomplices, aged 23 and 26, also from Mashaeng.
One of the suspects was found in possession of 27 rounds of live ammunition.
Further investigation revealed that the stolen bakkie had allegedly been sold in Gauteng Province.
The suspects face charges of kidnapping, murder and theft of a motor vehicle, while one suspect faces an additional charge of unlawful possession of ammunition.
The trio are expected to appear before the Fouriesburg Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 11 September 2026.
