The police spokesperson in the Free State, Thabo Covane, says on Saturday 19 November 2022, a 23-year-old CUT university student and a 20-year-old female witness were both walking from a local store at about 22:30 when they were attacked by suspects at the corner of John Knox and Calvyn Streets in Universitas. 

Both students hail from Qonce, also known as King William's Town, in the Eastern Cape. The deceased Siyawandisa Ruda (23) was a learner at De Vos Malan High School. His girlfriend wishes to remain unidentified.

He says the witness informed police that they first noticed a white, old model Mercedes Benz sedan with occupants inside, while walking towards John Knox Street. They were then suddenly attacked by two males. Covane says one of the perpetrators allegedly assaulted the witness and robbed her of a Hewlett Packard laptop and toiletries bag, while the other one went after the 23-year-old male friend.

“As she walked further down John Knox Street after the attack, she came across the body of her male friend lying motionless in the middle of the street. She noticed that he was bleeding from a wound at the back of the head. All suspects boarded the old Mercedes Benz sedan and fled in the direction of Paul Kruger Street,” he adds.

According to Covane, police and paramedics arrived at the scene and the victim was rushed to hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.  He says a 9mm cartridge case was found and collected as evidence from the scene and a case of murder and robbery with a firearm was opened at Park Road Police Station in Bloemfontein. 

Covane further called on people to assist police so that the perpetrators can be arrested. Those that may have information that can lead to the arrest of the suspects are requested to call Captain David Ramasoala at 082 4681 624 or visit the nearest police station.

OFM News