South African police in the Free State province have detailed a series of violent incidents over the past week, including farm attacks, home invasions, taxi rank shootings, a family dispute and the sexual assault and murder of a three-year-old girl, resulting in multiple deaths, injuries and arrests.
In Glen, the lifeless body of three-year-old Katleho Joy Leeuw was discovered dumped in bushes by a passer-by on Saturday, 25 October 2025, after she was reported missing by her mother Vuyiswa on 23 October 2025 while playing in her backyard, according to a media release by Walter Macala, spokesperson for the Department of Community Safety, Roads and Transport.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that Katleho may have been sexually assaulted and murdered,” the release stated.
MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport Jabu Mbalula appealed for calm: “I want to extend our profound condolences to everyone who has been affected by the death of Katleho Leeuw. We are obviously saddened by the death of a young defenseless child, and that is precisely why we have put together a multi-disciplinary team of experienced investigators to launch a manhunt for those responsible for this barbaric crime. Already, there are people of interest that are being interviewed, and we are confident that justice will prevail. Therefore, much as their anger is justified, we appeal to our people to allow police time and space to do their work to ensure the arrest and successful prosecution of the perpetrator(s).”
On Sunday, 26 October 2025, at about 19:30, the Provincial Murder and Robbery Investigation Unit arrested a 29-year-old uncle in connection with the murder, Lt Col Thabo Covane reported. The suspect made his first appearance in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 28 October 2025, and is expected back on Tuesday, 4 November 2025.
In Heilbron district, a farm worker was shot and killed in the early hours of the morning, while his 34-year-old wife was sexually assaulted and stabbed, according to a media statement by Captain Loraine Earle on behalf of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
“She was immediately taken to a local hospital, where she received medical attention,” the statement read.
Following an intensive search operation involving police, the farming community, private security and other stakeholders, 13 suspects—two females and 11 males—were arrested within hours. Police recovered 22 stolen sheep, a firearm, a minibus and household items.
Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Solly Lesia commended the response: “This rapid response and the successful arrest of the suspects demonstrate what can be achieved when the police and the community work together. We will continue to act decisively against any form of violent crime.”
The suspects are expected to appear before the Heilbron Magistrate’s Court on charges of murder, attempted murder, rape, robbery and stock theft.
In Ficksburg, police are investigating a murder and attempted house robbery that occurred at approximately 20:05 on Wednesday, 30 October 2025, Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli reported.
A 39-year-old foreign national was found lying in a pool of blood in the yard with gunshot wounds to the stomach and left thigh. His wife was rushed to hospital with injuries after being struck on the forehead with a pistol butt.
“It is alleged that the couple were inside the house when six unknown people wearing balaclavas entered through the dining room door. Two of the suspects pointed the couple with firearms and demanded money,” Kareli stated.
The suspects fled after ransacking the home. The motive remains under investigation.
Separately, in another Ficksburg incident on Tuesday, 28 October 2025, at approximately 22:00, two unknown African males approached three men at the border post taxi rank, leading to a double murder and attempted murder, according to Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli.
One victim was inside an office counting money while others stood outside. After asking about taxis, cigarettes and money, one suspect described as tall, wearing a black jacket and black jeans, opened fire, killing two men and wounding the third in the left thigh.
The shooter fled toward the Caledon River in the direction of Lesotho. Police urged anyone with information to contact Ficksburg Station Commander Colonel Pule at 0825649684, Crime Stop at 08600 10111, or use the MySAPS App.
In Winburg, a 32-year-old man was arrested after allegedly stabbing his 21-year-old brother to death over a phone charger on Monday, 27 October 2025, at approximately 15:00, Sergeant Palesa Thabana reported.
The victim suffered stab wounds to the mouth, chest and shoulder and was declared dead at the scene in Malekeketla. Two knives were confiscated.
The suspect fled but was later traced and arrested. He appeared before the Winburg Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 29 October 2025, on a murder charge.
