49-year-old fugitive wanted for 2007 Kopanong murder arrested after 11 years on the run

Free State police have arrested a 49-year-old man wanted in connection with a 2007 murder and robbery in the Kopanong area of Bloemfontein after he evaded authorities since 2015. The arrest took place in the North West province on Tuesday evening, Free State police said.

How the arrest unfolded

The Free State Provincial Tracking and Tracing Team located the suspect, identified as Patrick Machuto, following operational intelligence. On 4 July 2026 the team travelled to Lehurutse in the North West but did not find him at his known residential address.

“Although he was not found at his known residential address, investigators established that he had recently been arrested for a separate assault case in Lehurutse and was due back in court later that month.”

Operational arrangements were then made between the Free State tracking team and the local investigating officer to monitor the court roll and alert the team when the suspect appeared in court.

Execution of longstanding warrant

When the investigating officer confirmed Machuto’s court appearance on 21 July 2026, the Free State team immediately travelled from Bloemfontein and executed the outstanding warrant of arrest.

“The suspect was immediately booked out and transported back to Bloemfontein, where he will face charges relating to the 2007 Kopanong murder and robbery, as well as additional counts regarding his failure to appear in court.”

Police response and next steps

Free State police spokesperson Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli described the arrest as the end of the suspect’s decade-long run from the law. Free State Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia commended interprovincial collaboration and intelligence work by the officers involved.

Lesia reiterated that the wheels of justice may turn slowly, but criminals cannot hide forever.