Police arrest two suspects involved in violent robbery

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Two suspects wanted in connection with a violent robbery captured in a chilling video currently circulating on social media have been arrested by the police in Parkweg.

According to a report, the incident involved the occupants of a Ford Fiesta being attacked in the Bloemfontein Central Business District (CBD).

Free State police spokesperson Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli confirmed that following the dissemination of the video, Parkweg police immediately launched a manhunt.

“This led to the swift arrest of two individuals believed to be directly involved in the robbery and investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend the remaining suspects.

“Crucially, as the police, we confirm that no formal case has been opened regarding this incident. Therefore, we are urgently appealing to the victims who were attacked to come forward and report the crime,”.

Victims of the robbery urged to come forth

Kareli urged anyone who was a victim of this robbery, or anyone with information related to the incident, to contact Parkweg police or call police crime stop or drop an anonymous tip-off on MySAPS App.

He added; “The Parkweg police are dedicated to ensuring the safety of all residents and visitors to Bloemfontein. We are working diligently to bring all perpetrators of this crime to justice.”

Meanwhile, Acting Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) Brigadier Paulus Mbongo has warned the public about putting their hard-earned money in fake investment scams.

This comes after a Koppies farmer lost over R2,8 million.

According to Mbongo, between September 2023 and December 2023, the victim gave money in instalments to Francois Du Preez (30) of Kroonstad after the latter had approached him with promises that he could make large sums in interests.

“Du Preez, who falsely presented himself as a financial advisor, lured the victim to what he said was a lucrative investment opportunity to trade in gold in the United States of America.

“However, months passed without any sign of returns on his investment. When Serious Commercial Crime Investigation detectives in Welkom learned about this, they collected evidence and approached the court.

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“On Wednesday, Du Preez was arrested on a warrant and immediately secured before the Heilbron Magistrates Court.

“He will be back in the same court on March 28 facing charges of fraud, money laundering, and contravention of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act 37 of 2002.

“It is advisable to use entities and individuals licensed by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA),” said Brig Mbongo.