A 36-year-old suspect is expected to appear in court on charges of attempted murder of a couple residing on the Brakdam-farm in Vrede over the weekend.
On Sunday, 2015-07-12 two suspects allegedly awaited the victims Johannes (70) and Rita (68) Kritzenger when they returned from church. The two suspects were already inside the house as they had broken into the house earlier. They immediately fired shots at the couple and tied Mrs Kritzenger to the furniture in the dining room. They tortured the couple in order to get access to the keys of the safe. Both victims sustained shot wounds during the process. The suspects fled the scene with a .38 revolver, a cellphone and cash.
The police worked tirelessly after information was received regarding one suspect who had been an employee on the farm and suspect was arrested between 19:00 and 20:00 in the evening. Some of the stolen items were found in the suspect’s possession. The suspect will appear in court soon and one suspect still at large.
Both victims were taken to a hospital in Alberton for medical attention. Both of them are in a serious condition.
“We would like to applaud our members for acting swiftly on the information received and arresting of the suspect; it is proof of the dedication of our members”, said Lt General Thabethe Mpembe Free State Provincial Commissioner.