Breakthrough in Free State murder spree as suspect arrested
A man has been linked to two fatal shootings after a police tracing operation and identification parade led to his arrest.
Free State police have made a significant breakthrough in the investigations into multiple murders that took place in Heidedal, in the Free State, earlier this year.
Bloemfontein Courant reports that, according to Free State police spokesperson Captain Loraine Earle, SAPS executed a successful tracing operation on Thursday, arresting a suspect believed to be linked to two separate fatal shootings.
“The suspect was apprehended following the receipt of crucial intelligence, which was immediately followed up by investigators,” says Earle.
The first of the shootings occurred in June, when unknown perpetrators targeted a known drug den in Heidedal, shooting and killing three people.
A second, related incident took place in July, during which the owner of the same drug operation was fatally shot by an unknown man who fled the scene after the attack.
“Following the suspect’s arrest, an identification parade was conducted, during which the 35-year-old man was identified as the one responsible for the July murder,” says Earle.
The operation was successfully executed as a result of collaboration between the Provincial Serious and Violent Crime: Murder and Robbery Unit and the Tactical Response Team.
“Their swift action and professionalism are commendable and demonstrate the SAPS’s ongoing commitment to ensuring justice and maintaining public safety,” says Earle.
The suspect was due to appear in court today.
Further investigations continue.
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Read original story on www.bloemfonteincourant.co.za
