Eleven accused appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Monday (1/4) in connection with a series of robberies committed in the Bloemfontein CBD. The National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson in Free State and Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said ten of the accused face robbery charges, while the eleventh accused, a shop owner, is charged with purchasing stolen cellphones. The shop owner also allegedly attempted to bribe police officers during his arrest.

The accused in this matter are, T. Khokhela, T. Koekoe, T. Kgabarone, L. Lekau, L. Sejabatho, M. Mokhele, T. Molato, L. Manka, M. Mokengoane, N. Kikine and B. Sager.

The case has been postponed to 7 April 2025 for further proceedings in terms of Section 50(6) of the Criminal Procedure Act. Police are continuing with investigations.

A video circulated on social media, allegedly capturing the accused targeting victims in violent crimes and robbing them of their belongings in the CBD last week. The suspects were allegedly captured by community members and handed over to police. So far thirteen suspects have been arrested. Free State police spokesperson, Mahlomola Kareli, said that two suspects remain hospitalised, nursing injuries.

Meanwhile, police are appealing to victims who appear in the video footage to come forward and open cases to assist with investigations.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi