By Emily Setona
QWAQWA – Three people lost their lives in separate violent incidents across the Free State over the weekend, with police arresting three murder suspects in connection with the killings in Phuthaditjhaba, Harrismith and Memel.
The incidents, which police say followed separate arguments, claimed the lives of two adults and a teenager.
In Phuthaditjhaba, 26-year-old Raphoto Ngcobo was allegedly stabbed to death during an argument at Disaster Park section in Bluegumbosch in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Police arrested a 23-year-old suspect, who is expected to appear before the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrate’s Court on a charge of murder.
In a separate incident in Charismata, 23-year-old Elizabeth Makhasazi Selepe was allegedly assaulted to death at her home in Mahaseng section, Makholokweng Village, on Saturday night.
Police allege she was attacked by her 36-year-old boyfriend following an argument. The suspect has been arrested and is expected to appear before the Harrismith Magistrate’s Court on a murder charge.
Meanwhile, in Memel, 16-year-old Nathi Masiteng was found with a fatal stab wound to the chest in Zamani Township during the early hours of Sunday morning.
Police allege the teenager was stabbed following an argument. A 31-year-old suspect was traced and arrested and is expected to appear before the Vrede Magistrate’s Court on a charge of murder.
Free State police spokesperson Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring confirmed that all three suspects were arrested over the weekend in connection with the separate murder cases and are expected to appear in court today.
Police investigations into all three incidents are continuing.
