By Teboho Moloi
BLOEMFONTEIN – A wave of violence over the Easter weekend has left two young men dead and another seriously injured, with police linking the attacks to an ongoing gang rivalry dating back to school years.
Police are investigating three separate incidents reported between Saturday and Monday.
In one of the most disturbing cases, the charred remains of an unidentified man, believed to be between 20 and 25, were discovered on Saturday, 4 April, at Ferreira Hill near the South Park Cemetery.
The body was found by a member of the public inside a hole previously excavated by contractors. A tyre is believed to have been used to set the body alight.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli said the victim was burned beyond recognition.
In a second incident, the body of an unidentified 19-year-old male was found on Monday, 6 April, in Short Street, Willows. He had sustained multiple stab wounds to the chest.
In a related case, a 26-year-old man was rushed to hospital after suffering multiple stab wounds to his back.
Kareli said: “These incidents appear to be linked to a long-standing gang rivalry dating back to the suspects’ high school years. Police have not made any arrests, and investigations continue.”
Police have appealed to the public to come forward with any information that could assist in identifying the victims and apprehending those responsible.
