Tuckshop owner locks knife attacker inside his own shop until police arrive

A 22-year-old tuckshop owner in Naledi Section, Bohlokong, turned a robbery on its head on Thursday, 5 November 2026, locking his alleged attacker inside the shop until police arrived.

The South African Police Service says three men entered the tuckshop during business hours pretending to look for food. Two of them allegedly took food from the shelves while the third approached the businessman and demanded money. When he said he had none, the suspect allegedly stabbed him on the right side of his neck and cheek with a knife.

The other two men fled during the struggle. The injured owner got out and locked the shop with the alleged attacker still inside, and police were called to the scene and made the arrest.

The businessman was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

Bohlokong police have arrested a 19-year-old suspect. A case of business robbery and attempted murder is under investigation, and he is expected to appear before the Bethlehem Magistrate’s Court today, Friday, 6 November 2026.

The account is contained in a Free State provincial police media statement, which summarises the police case rather than setting out the evidence behind it. Enquiries can be directed to Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring on 082 455 6176.

Source: South African Police Service, https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspeechdetail.php?nid=72266