A man was killed and his wife attacked at a farm in Heilbron, Free State, on Saturday morning.
Provincial police spokesperson Captain Loraine Earle said the alleged attackers shot and killed a farm worker and sexually assaulted his wife before stabbing and wounding her.
She is receiving medical treatment.
JOINT INVESTIGATION LEADS TO ARREST
Earle said the police, the farming community, and private security personnel launched an immediate search for the attackers, which led to the arrest of 13 people.
Police also recovered stolen livestock.
“Within hours, thirteen suspects, two females and eleven males, were successfully traced and arrested. In addition, twenty-two (22) stolen sheep, a firearm, a minibus, and household items were recovered,” Earle said in a statement.
Acting provincial police commissioner Major General Solly Lesia commended the collaboration between law enforcement and residents.
“This rapid response and the successful arrest of the suspects demonstrate what can be achieved when the police and the community work together. We will continue to act decisively against any form of violent crime,” said Lesia.
The arrested suspects are expected to appear before the Heilbron Magistrate’s Court soon on charges including murder, attempted murder, rape, robbery, and stock theft.
