Swift action through a joint operation involving the South African Police Service (SAPS), local farmers, and private security led to the arrest of six suspects following a violent house robbery at a farm near Warden in the Free State on Friday, 05 December 2025.
At approximately 08:30, a 74-year-old farm resident was allegedly approached by a group of unknown males while traveling along a dirt road on his farm after filling a tractor with diesel. The victim noticed his white Toyota Hilux bakkie, fitted with a white canopy, being driven from the vicinity of his farmhouse.
Five suspects approached the complainant, opened his vehicle door, and forcibly took his licensed .22 pistol. One suspect allegedly struck the victim on the head with the back of the firearm, causing him to fall to the ground. The suspects then fled the scene in the victim’s Toyota Hilux, driving towards the N3 Freeway.
Upon reaching his farmhouse, the victim found his 76-year-old wife unharmed in the kitchen. She reported that five unknown males had entered the house through the kitchen, pointed a firearm at her, and instructed her to lead them to the firearm safe. Fearing for her life, she complied.
The suspects stole three licensed firearms belonging to the farmer, along with ammunition.
Alarm was immediately raised, activating a joint response from neighbouring farmers, private security companies, and surrounding SAPS stations. This led to a rapid activation and joint interception.
The stolen white Toyota Hilux bakkie was successfully traced and intercepted on the N3 Freeway. Six suspects, aged between 28 and 42, were arrested at the scene. The farmer’s stolen firearms were recovered, and a Suzuki vehicle allegedly used by the suspects was also confiscated.
The complainant sustained an injury to his left eye and was transported to Harrismith for urgent medical attention.
The suspects will face charges of house robbery. They are expected to appear in the Warden Magistrate’s Court soon.
