A coordinated operation by the SAPS Bloemfontein Flying Squad and private security partners led to the arrest of two suspects linked to a series of violent robberies across the city on Wednesday, 8 April 2026.
According to police reports, the crime spree involved suspects operating in a BMW.
At 04:30 in JB Mafora, a 56-year-old man was accosted while exiting his yard by two males in a dark grey BMW. One suspect produced a firearm and robbed him of his cellphone before fleeing.
At 18:30 in Caleb Motshabi section, a 38-year-old man walking to work was approached by suspects in a black BMW and robbed at gunpoint.
At approximately 19:15 at the N6 Hiking Spot, a 24-year-old woman and her sister, traveling from a hospital, were picked up by a black BMW acting as a lift. The driver drove off with the victims but stopped under the pretext of relieving himself. The driver and passenger then threatened the sisters with a knife and a firearm, robbed them of their possessions, and left them in the dark.
The Bloemfontein Flying Squad, while on active patrol, spotted a vehicle matching the description provided by the complainants. Working in close collaboration with private security teams, a tactical approach was initiated. The vehicle was successfully intercepted on the N1 highway.
Upon searching the vehicle and the two occupants, aged 26 and 37, police discovered Mandrax and Crystal Meth drugs, two knives, and a replica firearm. Suspected stolen property, including cellphones, bank cards, and identity documents, was also recovered.
The SAPS believes the suspects may be linked to several other cases in the Mangaung area. Police are appealing to anyone who may have fallen victim to suspects driving a dark grey or black BMW to contact Detective Constable Choane of the Kagisanong Serious and Violent Crimes Unit at 082 465 5945.
The two suspects are expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court soon on charges including armed robbery, possession of suspected stolen property, and possession of illegal substances.