Warden, Free State – A swift joint operation by the South African Police Service (SAPS), local farmers, and private security led to the arrest of six suspects after a violent house robbery at a farm near Warden on Friday, 5 December 2025.
According to SAPS, the incident occurred at approximately 08:30 when a 74-year-old farm resident was approached by a group of unknown men while traveling along a dirt road on his property after filling a tractor with diesel.
“The victim noticed his white Toyota Hilux bakkie, fitted with a white canopy, being driven from the vicinity of his farmhouse,” said a SAPS spokesperson.
Five suspects reportedly approached the farmer, forcibly opened his vehicle door, and took his licensed .22 pistol.
“One suspect struck the victim on the head with the back of the firearm, causing him to fall to the ground,” the spokesperson added. The suspects then fled in the stolen Toyota Hilux toward the N3 Freeway.
#sapsFS Swift action through a joint op involving the #SAPS, local farmers, and private security led to the arrest of 6 suspects following a violent house robbery at a farm near Warden today.
The stolen white Toyota Hilux bakkie was successfully traced and intercepted on the N3… pic.twitter.com/DEu5oaMOxt
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) December 5, 2025
Upon returning to his farmhouse, the victim discovered his 76-year-old wife unharmed in the kitchen. She reported that five unknown males had entered the home through the kitchen, pointed a firearm at her, and demanded she lead them to the firearm safe.
“Fearing for her life, she complied,” SAPS said. The suspects stole three licensed firearms along with ammunition.
The alarm was raised immediately, triggering a coordinated response from neighboring farmers, private security companies, and SAPS stations.
“The stolen vehicle was successfully traced and intercepted on the N3 Freeway. Six suspects, aged between 28 and 42, were arrested at the scene. The farmer’s firearms were recovered, and a Suzuki vehicle allegedly used by the suspects was also confiscated,” the spokesperson confirmed.
The male victim sustained an injury to his left eye and was transported to Harrismith for urgent medical attention.
The six suspects are facing charges of house robbery and are expected to appear in the Warden Magistrate’s Court soon.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns over rural safety and the importance of partnership policing initiatives.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
