Police have launched a manhunt for at least two suspects for the murder of a 23-year-old student while his female friend’s property was robbed in Universitas in Bloemfontein this past weekend.

According to police spokesperson Thabo Covane, the 20-year-old female witness explained that they were walking from a local store at about 22:30 when they were attacked by suspects at the corner of John Knox and Calvyn Streets in the Universitas area.

Covane says the witness alleges that while walking towards John Knox Street they first noticed a white, old model Mercedes-Benz sedan with occupants inside. “Suddenly two males attacked them and while being assaulted by one of the perpetrators, another one went after the 23-year-old male friend. The suspect robbed her of a Hewlett Packard laptop and a toiletry bag.”

As she walked further down John Knox Street after the attack, she came across the body of her male friend lying motionless in the middle of the street. She noticed that he was bleeding from a wound on the back of his head. “All suspects boarded the old Mercedes-Benz sedan and fled in Paul Kruger Street’s direction.”

The police and paramedics arrived at the scene and the victim was rushed to hospital where he was declared dead on arrival. “A 9mm cartridge case was found and collected as evidence from the scene. A case of murder and robbery with a firearm was opened at Park Road Police Station,” added Covane.

Members of the public who might have information that can help in the investigation of the cases or lead to the arrest of the suspects, are requested to call Captain David Ramasoala on 082 4681 624. Alternatively, the information can be submitted on the MySAPS App or the SAPS Crime Stop number can be called on 08600 10111.