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A 62-year-old man rescued from a house fire in Vrede, Free State, on Sunday, 27 June 2021, has passed away. However, the circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear and suspicious.
According to Free State police spokesperson Brigadier Motantsi Makhele, police were conducting patrols at 3 am on Sunday when they received a report of a house fire on Van Heerden Street, Vrede.
“On arrival they found the owner of the house, who introduced himself as Henk Beukes, covered with a blanket. He alleged that he was rescued by neighbours from the burning house.”
The victim stated that he had been sleeping when he heard footsteps in the kitchen. He then went to inspect the source of the footsteps, and it was then that he was confronted by two men, who had gained entry into his house by breaking a window. Makhele states, “He confronted them, and they allegedly attacked him with an iron bar and knife. He tried to fight back but was overpowered, assaulted until he became unconscious.”
After regaining consciousness, the elderly man noticed smoke in the house and flames emanating from another room. The victim, who lived alone in the house, was then rescued by his neighbour and later rushed to Vrede hospital. However, he died a few hours after being admitted.
The police spokesperson explains, “A case of murder and arson is being investigated. No arrests have been made yet.”
Any person with information to contact Detective Captain Mostert at 082 466 7752 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111, alternatively send information via MySAPS App.
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