The Thabo Mofutsanyana District Police, in the Free State, arrested 12 suspects during the Easter holiday operations for various serious offences, including murder, attempted murder, rape, possession of illegal firearms and drug-related crimes, reports The Witness.

In a statement SAPS said the intensified high-visibility policing operations yielded positive results in both police-driven and community-reported crimes.

“However, the district also recorded a concerning increase in cases of murder, attempted murder, and rape,” read the statement.

Police added six suspects were arrested in connection with murder cases reported across Nketoana, Setsoto, Maluti-a-Phofung, and Phumelela municipalities and among the victims were two women who were murdered in separate incidents in Reitz and Warden.

“In Marquard, five suspects were arrested for possession of illegal firearms, ammunition, and drugs. The confiscated drugs include crystal meth and mandrax,” read the statement.

Police added that several attempted murder cases were also reported, stemming from shooting incidents and stabbings, often occurring in public spaces where individuals were under the influence of alcohol.

Police also reported disturbing rape incidents involving vulnerable victims, including a 66-year-old elderly person and minors.

“In one particularly serious case in the Bluegumbosch Disaster Park section, a woman was allegedly raped by seven suspects while walking home from a local tavern,” the statement read.

Police added that four additional suspects, including a police officer, were arrested for illegal possession of firearms and defeating the ends of justice.

A total of four illegal firearms were seized in operations conducted in Harrismith, Phuthaditjhaba, and Tseki.

“An undocumented foreign national was also arrested during these operations,” read the statement.

SAPS also commended community members who provided valuable information leading to these arrests and applauded officers for their dedication and commitment to ensuring safety during the Easter holidays.

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