BOTHAVILLE — Police in the Free State are searching for three suspects following the armed robbery and assault of an elderly couple at a farm in the Bothaville policing precinct on Sunday, 14 June 2026.
According to authorities, the incident occurred at approximately 20:00 when the victims, an elderly couple aged 77 and 80, arrived at their property. They were accosted by three unknown males wearing gloves and face coverings.
During the initial confrontation, one suspect allegedly struck the male victim on the head with a hammer, while the other two suspects restrained the female victim. The suspects, one of whom was armed with a firearm, forced the couple inside the house and further assaulted them with a steel pole. The attackers demanded money, which the victims subsequently handed over.
The couple was then instructed to sit on a bed, where they were gagged with tape and had their hands tied. The suspects ransacked the bedroom before fleeing the scene, escaping with an undisclosed amount of cash, a revolver, and female clothing and shoes.
The victims managed to untie themselves at approximately 23:30 and reported the incident to the police. Both sustained minor injuries during the attack.
A case of house robbery has been registered for further investigation, and a manhunt for the three suspects is currently underway.