South Africa: A Lesotho national was beaten to death after allegedly stealing a sheep.

Twelve people have been arrested in South Africa following the violent death of a foreign shepherd (identified by local media as a Lesotho national), suspected of stealing a sheep in the Free State province. The suspects, including ten foreign nationals and two South Africans, are being charged with murder. The incident occurred on Thursday at Mashaeng Commonage, near Fouriesburg. Law enforcement officers discovered the body of a man at the scene. According to initial information released by the South African Police Service (SAPS), the victim had multiple contusions on his upper body, as well as injuries to his eyes.

According to investigators, the deceased, who worked as a shepherd, was allegedly accused of killing a lamb near a dam. Part of the carcass was reportedly thrown into the water, while the head and legs were later found. The initial investigation led to the arrest of a man who was found to be in possession of the victim’s mobile phone. The investigation continued, resulting in the arrest of eleven other suspects.

The twelve individuals, aged between 24 and 59, include ten foreign nationals and two South African residents from the Mashaeng township. They are scheduled to appear in the Fouriesburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday, September 7th. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has urged residents to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement agencies rather than attempting to apprehend suspected offenders themselves. Authorities have stated that those identified as responsible will be held accountable for their actions in court.