Search continues after farm attack near Ladybrand

The Free State Organised Crime Unit in collaboration with Ladybrand police has launched a manhunt after a group of unknown males attacked an elderly couple on Wednesday. The unknown group stole firearms from the couple’s farmhouse and drove off in the complainant’s bakkie.

According to Free State police spokesperson Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli, this incident took place around 23:30 while the couple, aged 65 and 66, were seated in their living room, on a farm near Ladybrand, when a suspicious noise was heard in their kitchen.

“Suddenly, four unknown African males allegedly entered the house, and one of the suspects hit the 66-year-old man with an unknown object on the head and tied the couple with sheets and blindfolded them,” Kareli says.

Kareli mentions the robbers, armed with a crowbar, demanded keys to the safe and stole 11 firearms: Six rifles, two shotguns, two handguns, and one revolver. The robbers also stole a variety of household items and fled the scene in a white Mahindra single cab bakkie registered as HXL158 FS.

“Both victims sustained injuries on the forehead, arms, and head. The suspects allegedly gained entry by breaking the burglar door. The couple was taken to the hospital in a serious but stable condition. Ladybrand police opened a house robbery case for further investigation,” Kareli adds.

Anyone who might have information on the whereabouts of the robbers is urged to contact detective Colonel Ben Bolsiek on 082 466 8530 or the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111. Alternatively, send an anonymous tip-off on the MySAPS app.