A 52-year-old Free State farmer was murdered, and his wife was kidnapped during an attack on their farm, provincial police said.
Police acted swiftly on Sunday, intercepting the suspects, arresting four individuals, and wounding one suspect, who later succumbed to his injuries.
Officers from the Goedemoed policing precinct were alerted to the crime at approximately 7am on Sunday, by concerned members of the farming community.
"Upon arrival, officers discovered the body of the farmer, who had been shot in the head. It was later determined that his wife had been kidnapped during the attack," said police spokesperson, Captain Loraine Earle.
A police effort, involving collaboration with the E2 project stakeholders and the Bloemfontein Flying Squad, followed.
The stolen vehicle used in the crime was traced to a farm in the Tier Poort area, Earle said.
Acting on this intelligence, officers intercepted the vehicle and rescued the woman, who was still in the custody of the suspects.
"The Bloemfontein Flying Squad was activated and successfully tracked down the vehicle with the wife still with the suspects. She was rescued and is receiving medical attention to determine if more charges should be added," Earle said.
During the operation, a suspect was wounded and later died in the hospital. Police arrested two women and a man, who are now being questioned. Firearms were recovered inside the vehicle, adding weight to the evidence against the suspects.
Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane, the Provincial Commissioner of the Free State, commended the swift response of the police and the cooperation of the farming community.
"I want to thank the stakeholders of the E2 and the farming community for their swift and effective assistance in helping apprehend the suspects," she said.
"My sincere condolences go to the family for their loss. A team of experienced detectives and experts will ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice."
IOL