Three men were arrested by members of Kroonstad, Brandfort SAPS, and Bloemfontein Flying Squad after being positively linked with a house robbery and a murder committed at a farm in the Kroonstad District on Sunday, 30 April 2023.
It is alleged that the two suspects entered the house of a farmer at about 18:44. Upon entry, they found the two couples in the house, pointed a firearm at them, and robbed them of their three cellphones, wristwatches, and an undisclosed amount of money. The suspects further locked all four victims inside the house, fleeing the scene on foot.
On the same day, on their way from the primary scene at about 20:00, the two suspects came across another couple that was walking from Kroonstad toward the Farm. They stopped the couple and demanded money. Thereafter, they fired a shot at the 41-year-old male and took his cell phone whilst the wife ran off. The duo further fled the scene on foot towards the main road, where they got inside their getaway car, which was waiting for them.
Intelligence-driven information from the Kroonstad SAPS, nearby farmers, and a private security company led to the recovery of the registration number of the vehicle used to commit both crimes.
Warrant Officer Motlalentoa Mofokeng of Kroonstad Detectives was assigned to investigate the case. To his surprise, whilst off duty driving to Reddesburg for a family funeral on Friday 05 May 2023, he spotted and recalled the registration number of the alleged vehicles used as a getaway car for both incidents.
He immediately called for backup from the members of Brandfort SAPS and the Bloemfontein Flying Squad. One suspect, the driver, Mr Sera Letuka (22), was arrested.
Further investigation led to the arrest of two more suspects, Sandie Kheliwe (36) and Lesole Poulo (37) at their place of residence in Welkom. They were found in possession of four cell phones, one of which belonged to the 41-year-old deceased.
The first suspect arrested, Sera Letuka (22) appeared before Kroonstad Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 08 May 2023.
The two suspects arrested on Sunday 07 May 2023, Sandie Kheliwe (36) and Lesole Poulo (37), appeared before Kroonstad Magistrate’s Court yesterday, 09 May 2023.
All three suspects are facing charges of house robbery and murder; they are remanded in custody and will reappear before the court on 15 May 2023.