Police in Free State have arrested six suspects shortly after a violent house robbery at a farm near Warden on Friday, 05 December 2025.
According to Police, the incident began at approximately 08:30 when a 74-year-old farm resident was confronted by a group of unknown males while travelling along a dirt road on his property after refilling a tractor with diesel. The victim reported seeing his own white Toyota Hilux bakkie, fitted with a white canopy, being driven away from the direction of his farmhouse.
SAPS stated that “five suspects approached the complainant, opened his vehicle door, and forcibly took his licensed .22 pistol.” One of the suspects allegedly struck the victim on the head with the back of the firearm, causing him to fall to the ground, before they fled in his Toyota Hilux towards the N3 freeway.
Upon returning to the farmhouse, the victim found his 76-year-old wife unharmed. She told police 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 made off with three licensed firearms and ammunition.
An alarm was immediately raised, triggering what SAPS described as “a joint response” involving neighbouring farmers, private security partners, and surrounding police stations. This rapid coordination enabled patrol units to trace and intercept the stolen Toyota Hilux on the N3 freeway.
Six suspects, aged between 28 and 42, were arrested on the scene. SAPS confirmed that the farmer’s stolen firearms were recovered, and that “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 medical attention.
The six suspects will face charges of house robbery and are expected to appear in the Warden Magistrate’s Court.