By Mapaballo Borotho

- Free State police have arrested a 29-year-old police constable following a hostage situation in Ratanang Township, Jacobsdal, on Sunday, 16 August 2026.
- A 25-year-old woman was injured in the shooting and was taken to a hospital in Kimberley for further medical treatment.
- The constable surrendered his service pistol and handed himself over to police after several hours of negotiations, and he is expected to face charges of kidnapping and attempted murder.
Free State police have arrested a 29-year-old constable following a hostage situation that left a 25-year-old female injured from a gunshot wound.
Though the incident happened in the Free State province, the police constable is reportedly stationed in Hanover, Northern Cape.
“Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) at Jacobsdal Police Station received information about a hostage situation in Moabi Street, Ratanang Township, Jacobsdal, at approximately 11:45 on Sunday, 16 August 2026,” said police spokesperson Thabo Covane.
Covane says police officers commenced negotiations with the suspect, which continued for several hours.
The suspect only surrendered his service pistol and handed himself over to the police in the evening.
“Emergency medical personnel attended to the injured victim, who was subsequently transported to a hospital in Kimberley, Northern Cape, for further medical treatment.”
A case of kidnapping and attempted murder has been registered with the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The arrested police constable is expected to appear before the Jacobsdal Magistrate’s Court soon.
Free State Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia, commended the SAPS members and all role players for their professionalism and restraint in resolving the situation.
“We also wish the injured victim a speedy recovery. At the same time, the suspect will face the full might of the law, and the circumstances surrounding this incident will be thoroughly investigated. SAPS members are equally subject to the law, and any allegations of criminal conduct will be dealt with through due process,” Lieutenant General Lesia added.
READ NEXT: