Free State armed gang abducts elderly couple and steals from their bank accounts

Police have launched an intensive manhunt for three armed suspects who allegedly kidnapped an elderly couple in the Free State province and stole money from their bank accounts. The incident took place in Bophelong, near Bloemfontein, on Sunday, 2 August 2026, when three armed men reportedly broke into the home of a 73-year-old man and his 67-year-old wife. According to authorities, the victims were asleep when they were confronted by the suspects, who forced open a sliding door to gain entry. The suspects allegedly demanded cash and subjected the couple to assault before loading household appliances into the couple’s Suzuki vehicle. They then forced the victims into their own vehicle and drove them through parts of Bloemfontein before heading to Botshabelo. There, the victims were reportedly locked inside an unknown shack while the suspects carried out fraudulent transactions and digitally transferred an undisclosed amount of money from the couple’s bank accounts using their cellphones. The couple remained in captivity for nearly two days before being released. On Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at approximately 4 a.m., the suspects returned the victims to their residence in Bophelong, left them inside the vehicle, and fled the scene on foot. Members of the Kopanong police were called to the scene, where cases of house robbery and kidnapping were officially opened for investigation. Authorities have confirmed that no arrests have been made and that an extensive search is underway to locate the three suspects. A police spokesperson, Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli, stated that the incident was “traumatic” and described the actions of the suspects as “alleged.” He emphasized that the victims were held against their will and that their personal financial information was compromised during the crime. The police have urged members of the public to come forward with any information that might help identify or locate the suspects. The case has sparked concern among local residents, particularly due to the vulnerability of the victims, who were elderly and targeted during a nighttime intrusion. Local law enforcement officials have expressed frustration over the lack of progress in the investigation and the difficulty in tracking down the perpetrators. This incident follows a pattern of increasing reports of armed robberies and kidnappings in the region, which have raised alarm among community leaders and security experts. While specific details about the suspects remain unclear, the police have indicated that the individuals are believed to be armed and possibly operating in groups. The stolen funds are still under investigation, and authorities are working to determine whether the victims’ accounts were accessed through legitimate means or if further criminal activity is suspected. As the search continues, the focus remains on recovering the stolen money and ensuring the safety of the victims. The police have not yet disclosed whether the couple suffered any long-term injuries or psychological trauma as a result of the ordeal. The case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing organized criminal activities in rural areas of the Free State.