2 suspects to appear in court for fatal attack on hawker in Free State! Two men accused of kidnapping and brutally assaulting a fruit vendor at a petrol station in Odendaalsrus, Free State, are expected to appear in the Odendaalsrus Magistrate’s Court on Monday. The 27-year-old hawker succumbed to his injuries after the alleged attack, which has sparked outrage in the local community.

Altercation Over Selling Fruits Turns Deadly

According to provincial police spokesperson Sergeant Palesa Thabana, the incident occurred on Sunday, February 2, 2025, around 8 pm.

“An altercation ensued between a fuel station employee and the hawker over selling fruits on the garage premises. The victim then left the premises. He was allegedly pursued by the two suspects and an unknown African male,” said Thabana.

The suspects allegedly forced the hawker onto a bakkie before returning to the petrol station, where he was subjected to a violent attack.

“On arrival at the petrol station, the suspects allegedly assaulted him with a knobkerrie and sjambok,” Thabana added.

Fatal attack on hawker

The severely injured hawker was later transported by ambulance from his home to a local hospital before being transferred to a regional facility, where he tragically succumbed to his injuries.

Suspects Arrested, Investigation Continues

Following the attack, police launched an investigation into murder and kidnapping. Authorities were able to track down and arrest the two suspects, aged 34 and 40, on Friday, March 21, 2025, in Odendaalsrus.

“Police also seized the Isuzu bakkie allegedly used in the commission of the crime. Investigations are still ongoing,” said Thabana.

The case has drawn widespread condemnation, with community members calling for swift justice.

Man Sentenced to Life for Sister’s Murder, Attempted Murder of Stepmother

In a separate but equally disturbing incident, the Free State High Court in Bloemfontein has sentenced a 57-year-old man, Mofihli Pickson Rapabi, to life imprisonment for the murder of his sister. Additionally, he received a 15-year sentence for the attempted murder of his 81-year-old stepmother.

Family Visit Turns Deadly

The tragic events unfolded when Rapabi traveled from Lenasia, Johannesburg, to visit his elderly stepmother, Nozizathu Rapabi, in Poeleng village, Qwaqwa.

After arriving, Nozizathu welcomed him warmly and prepared a meal. During dinner, his 46-year-old sister, Sophie Buthelezi, also arrived.

However, tensions quickly escalated when Sophie failed to greet Rapabi, prompting their mother to question the tension between the siblings.

“Sophie accused Mofihli of abusing their mother, which led him to draw a firearm and shoot her in the forehead. A second shot was fired to the side of her head,” court documents revealed.

After the first brutal execution, Rapabi left the room but quickly returned with another item from a bedroom. Without hesitation, he shot his stepmother in the neck before firing a final execution-style bullet into Sophie’s mouth.

Survivor’s Courageous Escape

Despite her critical injuries, Nozizathu managed to crawl to the gate of the house to seek help. Her bravery led to Rapabi’s arrest, and she later testified against him in court, ensuring that justice was served.

The court described Rapabi’s actions as premeditated and merciless, handing him the maximum possible sentence.

Justice System Cracks Down on Violent Crimes

The two separate cases in the Free State highlight the urgent need to address violent crime in South Africa.

• In Odendaalsrus, a hawker lost his life over a simple dispute about selling fruit at a petrol station. His attackers will now face murder and kidnapping charges.

• In Qwaqwa, a man killed his sister in cold blood and attempted to murder his stepmother. He will now spend the rest of his life behind bars.

Authorities have vowed to continue cracking down on violent crimes, ensuring that those responsible for senseless killings face the full force of the law.