Three arrested after foreign national’s body found in garbage bag

Fouriesburg – Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the alleged kidnapping and murder of a foreign national whose body was found dumped in a large garbage bag near Fouriesburg in the Free State. 

The suspects, aged 18, 23 and 26, were arrested within 12 hours after the incident was reported, according to police. 

The Thabo Mofutsanyana District Operational Crime Combatting Unit said it had “swiftly cracked an alleged murder case” following the discovery of the body along the R26 outside Fouriesburg. 

Police said the deceased’s bakkie was also allegedly stolen and that 27 rounds of live ammunition were seized from one of the suspects. 

The body was discovered at about 09:00 on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, by a community member performing daily duties near Uitkyk Farm, approximately 5km outside Fouriesburg towards Ficksburg along the R26. 

“Upon arrival at the scene, police discovered the body covered with a large white recycling bag and hidden amongst trees in one of the camps next to the road,” police said. 

The deceased was found wearing blood-stained clothing and was later identified by his sibling, who resides in Fouriesburg. 

The deceased was reportedly staying alone at a rented residence and was the owner of a tuckshop in Mashaeng Township. 

According to police, his brother last saw him on Sunday, 6 September, after they attended a church service in Bethlehem.

On Tuesday, 8 September, the brother realised that the deceased was not at home and that his white Toyota Hilux bakkie, with Free State registration plates, was also missing. 

He subsequently reported him missing at the local police station. 

Police said information gathered during the investigation led them to an 18-year-old Grade 11 learner from Mashaeng, who was arrested at his school. 

“His arrest subsequently led to the apprehension of two alleged accomplices, aged 23 and 26, also from Mashaeng,” police said. 

One of the suspects was found in possession of 27 rounds of live ammunition. 

Further investigation revealed that the stolen bakkie had allegedly been sold in Gauteng Province. 

The suspects face charges of kidnapping, murder and theft of a motor vehicle, while one suspect faces an additional charge of unlawful possession of ammunition. 

The trio are expected to appear before the Fouriesburg Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 11 September 2026. 

Free State Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia applauded the police officers involved in the investigation. 

Lesia praised the men and women in blue for their “swift and excellent investigative work” and urged the team to continue enforcing the law and ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice. 

Picture: Facebook/ SAPS

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Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi

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