Double murder rocks sleepy Free State town

The Theunissen murders have shaken the small Free State mining town.

Police are searching for the murderer after the bodies of two women were discovered in abandoned buildings last weekend.

As at the time of publishing, police have made no arrests. They also say it is not yet clear whether the two killings are linked.

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Meanwhile, Free State Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thabang Solomon Lesia has set up a multidisciplinary task team.

The Provincial Serious and Violent Crime Unit will lead the hunt for the suspect – or suspects.

What police know about the Theunissen murders

Police made the first discovery early on Saturday, 7 November, at about 03:40.

First, a neighbourhood watch member led them to an abandoned building in Le Roux Street.

Inside, they found 32-year-old Nthabiseng Moiloa.

She had multiple stab wounds and injuries to her head and stomach.

Shortly afterwards, paramedics declared her dead at the scene.

In addition, police are not ruling out the possibility that her attacker sexually assaulted her.

Then, at about 18:00 on Sunday, 8 November, children playing near a day care centre in Masilo, Theunissen, made a second discovery.

They found a woman’s body in the toilet of another abandoned building.

Police later identified her as 25-year-old Kedibone Hlabahlaba. She had serious head injuries, and her body had already begun to decompose.

“The SAPS condemns in the strongest terms the killing of women and remains committed to ensuring that the perpetrator(s) are brought to book,” Free State police said in a statement.

Free State femicide: ‘Communities must stop shielding perpetrators’

In response, the Free State Department of Social Development has condemned the killings.

It has also urged police to step up their investigation.

“We need a society that does not only condemn GBVF after women have been killed, but one that actively prevents it.

Men must hold one another accountable, communities must stop shielding perpetrators, and institutions must act decisively,” said department spokesperson Thembile Nqabeni.

Similarly, Social Development MEC Mathabo Hlalele condemned the murders.

She called them a painful reflection of the unfinished struggle for women’s emancipation.

A small town in the spotlight

Theunissen is a mining town in the Lejweleputswa District, about 45km from Welkom.

Towns like it rarely make national headlines.

Furthermore, the killings come just weeks before the national 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children.

The campaign runs from 25 November to 10 December. In fact, Free State police will launch it in the same district, at Odendaalsrus.

Can you help?

Police urge anyone with information to contact the task team commander, Lieutenant Colonel James Mahlatsi, on 073 463 8990. Alternatively, call SAPS Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

You can also send an anonymous tip through the MySAPS app. Police say they will treat all information as strictly confidential.

Where to get help

Anyone affected by gender-based violence can get help 24 hours a day:

• GBV Command Centre: 0800 428 428
• “Please call me”: dial *120*7867# for free to request a social worker
• SAPS emergency: 10111