Two suspects aged 37 and 41 are expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Monday (29/06) in connection with the death of a 29-year-old Motheo TVET student.
Free State police spokesperson Sinah Mpakane said the incident occurred on 18 May 2026 when the victim was with her boyfriend and another couple at a guest house in Botshabelo W-Section after attending a funeral.
“It is alleged that the victim’s boyfriend shot her, after which the suspects cleaned the blood at the scene before taking her to Botshabelo Hospital. She was later transferred to Pelonomi Hospital, where the suspects allegedly convinced her to discharge herself,” said Mpakane.
According to police, the suspects allegedly gave the victim money to buy painkillers and assured her that the gunshot wound to her leg would heal on its own.
The victim, identified as 29-year-old Motheo TVET student Nkaki Lerato, died on 31 May after succumbing to complications from the gunshot wound.
Following her death, police appealed to the public for information on two men known as Tsumbeza and Tenda. The pair were arrested in Gauteng on Thursday (25/06).
The 37-year-old suspect is expected to face charges of murder and defeating the ends of justice, while the 41-year-old will face a charge of defeating the ends of justice. Police investigations are continuing.
Compiled by Clement Matroos
