Two brothers, Reanetswe Lakaje (9) and Thabiso Lakaje (14), were killed following an alleged attack at Toekoms Farm outside Harrismith in the Free State on Wednesday, 24 June 2026. Police have launched a manhunt for a wanted suspect believed to be responsible for the incident, while a 31-year-old man has been detained for questioning after he was allegedly found in possession of blood-stained trousers belonging to one of the victims.

The case has shocked the local community as police continue investigating what led to the deaths of the two children. Authorities have confirmed that the motive for the attack remains unknown and have appealed to members of the public for information that could help locate the wanted suspect.

What Happened to Reanetswe Lakaje and Thabiso Lakaje at Toekoms Farm?

According to police, the incident unfolded at approximately 2:15 pm on Wednesday, 24 June, at Toekoms Farm outside Harrismith.

Police said the two brothers were allegedly attacked and severely assaulted by a known suspect under circumstances that are still being investigated. The reasons behind the attack have not yet been established.

A security guard reportedly discovered the boys near the door of their home with both their hands and mouths fastened with cloth before immediately notifying the farm manager.

The older brother, 14-year-old Thabiso Lakaje, was declared dead at the scene. His younger brother, nine-year-old Reanetswe Lakaje, was rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency medical treatment but later died from his injuries.

According to police, the children’s mother was at work when the incident occurred and was informed afterwards.

The deaths of the two brothers have left investigators working to establish exactly what happened and why they were targeted.

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Harrismith Police Investigation Into the Double Murder

The South African Police Service has confirmed that a 31-year-old man has been arrested and detained for questioning during the investigation.

Police stressed that the man is not regarded as the alleged perpetrator of the double murder. He was detained after officers allegedly found him in possession of blood-stained trousers believed to belong to one of the victims.

Investigators are continuing to question him while they pursue other leads.

At the same time, police are actively searching for a wanted suspect who is believed to have carried out the attack. Authorities have not released further information about the suspect as the investigation continues.

Police say detectives are following all available leads in an effort to locate and arrest the person responsible.

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Why the Investigation Remains a Priority

The deaths of two young brothers have raised serious concern in the Harrismith community and across the Free State.

Cases involving children often receive significant public attention because of their impact on families and communities. Police have therefore urged anyone who may have information about the incident or the whereabouts of the wanted suspect to come forward.

Authorities have not disclosed a possible motive and have cautioned against speculation while investigators gather evidence.

As the investigation progresses, detectives are expected to continue interviewing witnesses, examining forensic evidence and following information received from the public.

Police have emphasised that only confirmed information released through the official investigation should be relied upon while the case remains active.

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Latest Police Appeal for Information

Police are asking members of the public to assist in locating the wanted suspect connected to the alleged double murder at Toekoms Farm.

Anyone who has information that could assist investigators is urged to contact the Harrismith Detective Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Mpholo, on 082 854 7542.

The investigation into the deaths of Reanetswe Lakaje and Thabiso Lakaje remains ongoing, and additional updates are expected as police continue their search for the suspect.

Readers can follow our continuing coverage for verified developments as more information becomes available from investigators.