Twelve arrested after cattle herder killed near Fouriesburg

Free State police have arrested 12 people in connection with the killing of a cattle herder near Fouriesburg after an alleged livestock-theft incident.

Police said the man was allegedly assaulted by members of the community after he was accused of stealing cattle, according to an RSG news bulletin on Sunday.

The group arrested comprises 10 foreign nationals and two South Africans. They are expected to appear in court on Monday.

Police reported that the deceased had bruising to his upper body and injuries to his eyes. The precise cause of death and the individual allegations against each accused will have to be established through the investigation and court process.

The livestock-theft accusation against the herder was not a court finding. The circumstances of the alleged assault and the responsibility of each arrested person remain allegations at this stage.

No names, ages or formal charge sheet were available in the source material reviewed by EBNewsDaily. The identity of the deceased had also not been confirmed for publication.

The accused are entitled to be presumed innocent unless convicted. Further details are expected when the matter is placed before court and prosecutors confirm the charges.