Free State police arrested two suspects including former employee for attacking and kidnapping a 72-year-old female farmer in Bultfontein on Friday afternoon.
The police revealed that the farmer was attacked and kidnapped by former employee who left the victim in the wild inside a vehicle to die.
Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli,Free State South African Police Service(SAPS) spokeperson said: "The ordeal began on Friday afternoon when the victim was allegedly attacked at her farm by a former employee. The suspect reportedly struck the victim with a garden spade, causing her to lose consciousness.
“In a calculated move, the suspect placed the unconscious victim into her own vehicle and drove to a secluded location on the farm road connecting Bultfontein and Hoopstad.”
Sergeant Kareli pointed out that the elderly farmer received helped because the member of the police found her unconscious inside the vehicle on Saturday.
"The victim's life was saved thanks to the vigilance of a police member. Early Saturday morning, the member noticed a stationary vehicle but initially proceeded on his journey. Upon returning later that same day and seeing the vehicle in the exact same position, he grew suspicious and stopped to investigate.
“Inside the vehicle, he discovered the 72-year-old victim, still unconscious. He immediately alerted the police and emergency medical services. The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention and, fortunately, has since been discharged to recover at home,” he added.
He mentioned that the police arrested the prime suspect and his friend, both will appear soon in the local magistrate court.
"Following a swift preliminary investigation by the team, two arrests were made: A 33-year-old male(the primary suspect/ former employee) was arrested and faces possible charges including attempted murder and kidnapping. A second male suspect was apprehended after he was found in possession of the victim's property.
“The two suspects will appear in the Bultfontein Magistrate's Court soon for house robbery and more charges are expected to be added,” concluded Kareli.