Bloemfontein - A 36-year-old suspect was due to appear in a Free State court in connection with an attack on an elderly farmer couple in Vrede over the weekend.
Police spokesperson Constable Maselela Langa said the suspect would face charges including attempted murder following the attack on Sunday morning on the Brakdam farm in Vrede. over the weekend.
Police said: “On Sunday, two suspects allegedly awaited the victims Johannes (70) and Rita (68) Kritzenger when they returned from church. The two suspects were already inside the house as they had broken into the house earlier.
“They immediately fired shots at the couple and tied Mrs Kritzenger to the furniture in the dining room. They tortured the couple to be able to get access to the keys of the safe. Both victims sustained gunshot wounds during the process. The suspects fled the scene with a .38 revolver, a cellphone and cash.
“The police worked tirelessly after information was received regarding one suspect who had been an employee on the farm and suspect was arrested between 7-8 in the evening. Some of the stolen items were found in the suspect’s possession. The suspect will appear in court soon and one suspect is still at large.”
Both victims were taken to a hospital in Alberton for medical attention and were in a serious condition.
“We would like to applaud our members for acting swiftly on the information received and arresting of the suspect; it is proof of the dedication of our members”, said Lieutenant General Thabethe Mpembe, the Free State Provincial Commissioner.
ANA