Five people have been arrested after a 31-year-old man was allegedly kidnapped following an argument with a group of strangers and later found dead with multiple stab wounds in Phase 7, Bloemspruit, in the Free State.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday.
Free State police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Thabo Covane said the victim was drinking with friends when an argument broke out with a group of strangers.
“The suspects, a group of unknown people, reportedly forced the victim into a black vehicle and drove away with him,” Covane said.
At about 6am, the man was found lying on his back in a street in Phase 7 with multiple stab wounds to his face and deep wounds to his left cheek.
A large rock and a small spanner were found near the body. Paramedics declared him dead at the scene.
Covane said a dedicated task team, led by Bloemspruit detectives, was immediately established to follow up on leads.
“Their intensive investigation led to the swift arrest of five suspects, aged between 21 and 34,” he said.
Free State police commissioner Lieutenant-General Thabang Solomon Lesia commended the task team for its rapid response and the arrests.
“The swift apprehension of these suspects sends a clear message that we will not tolerate lawlessness or the brutalisation of our citizens. My career path speaks for itself; I cannot tolerate those who think they can evade the authority of the state,” Lesia said.
“We remain dedicated and steadfast in our mission to ensure that perpetrators of such violent crimes face the full might of the law.”
The suspects remain in custody and are expected to appear in court soon on charges of murder and kidnapping.
