HARRISMITH— Harrismith police have arrested a 26-year-old suspect in connection with the double murder of two brothers, aged 9 and 14, on a farm near Harrismith in the Free State.
The suspect was apprehended on Thursday, 25 June 2026, at the same farm where the incident occurred, following tips from members of the Toekoms Farm community. He has been charged with two counts of murder and is expected to appear before the Harrismith Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 29 June 2026.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, at approximately 14:15, when the two brothers—Reanetswe Lakaje (9) and Thabiso Lakaje (14)—were allegedly attacked and severely assaulted on the farm. The motive for the attack remains unknown.
A security guard discovered the boys near the door of their house with their hands and mouths bound with cloth. The guard immediately alerted the farm manager. The elder brother, Thabiso, was found deceased at the scene, while the younger brother, Reanetswe, was rushed to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Their mother, who was at work at the time of the attack, was informed of the incident afterward. Police investigations into the matter are continuing.
Police have not released the identity of the suspect.