-Staff Writer / Mon, 29 Dec 2025
Free State police have arrested four suspects in connection with a series of violent incidents across the Thabo Mofutsanyana District that have left seven people dead.
Police spokesperson Mmako Mophiring said that alcohol abuse, domestic disputes and road rage were among the contributing factors in the deadly incidents.
The murders and attempted murders occurred between 26 and 29 December 2025 in Phuthaditjhaba, Kestell, Makwane, Marquard, Harrismith and Ladybrand, with firearms and knives used in several of the attacks.
In Kestell, two women and one man were shot inside a shack at Extension 5, Thlolong, on Sunday, 28 December. Police allege the suspect demanded clothes for his children from his girlfriend during an argument before producing an illegal firearm.
Two women died at the scene, while a man was wounded and remains in hospital. The suspect has been arrested and faces charges of double murder, attempted murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. He is expected to appear in the Kestell Magistrate’s Court soon.
In Phuthaditjhaba, a 25-year-old man was arrested for the alleged murder of his girlfriend’s mother at Leratong Village on Friday, 26 December. The suspect reportedly accused the deceased of stealing his cellphone and assaulted her. He was arrested on Sunday and is expected to appear before the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrate’s Court.
A road rage incident on the N3 near the Harrismith Weighbridge claimed another life on Sunday, 28 December.
Mophiring said two truck drivers stopped on the roadside following an altercation. One driver allegedly attempted to produce a weapon, prompting the other to draw his licensed firearm and shoot him.
The victim died at the scene. A 45-year-old suspect was arrested, and his firearm was seized. He will appear in the Harrismith Magistrate’s Court on a charge of murder.
In Makwane, a 24-year-old man was stabbed to death at Kgabisi Village on Friday, 26 December, following an argument. He died at the scene. Police said a murder case is under investigation, and the suspect is still at large.
In Marquard, a man was stabbed to death during an argument between a couple at Moemaneng on Saturday, 27 December. Police allege a known male intervened and stabbed the husband, who died instantly. The suspect has been arrested and appeared before the Marquard Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
Meanwhile, in Ladybrand, police are investigating a suspected mob killing after a man was found dead on Sunday, 28 December. He was identified by family members at a local hospital after allegedly being accused of robbing a woman in the area.
The police has since urged lawful firearm owners to comply strictly with firearm regulations and called on communities to report illegal firearms. “Illegal firearms often end up in the wrong hands of criminals, with devastating consequence”
Police investigations into the incidents continue.
News Junction (Gold Standard)