The nine Free State police officers accused of murder were granted police bail Bultfontein Magistrate’s Court Monday.
Accused sergeants Edward Mokake, 45, Shadrack Kabuza, 45, and Tseliso Mohoboko, 44, along with officers Johannes Mohau, 30, David Mofothi, 31, Lebohang Senxesi, 34, Ikaneng Maropeng, 42, Teboho Monaune, 37, and Lehlohonolo Morapedi, 38, face four counts of murder.
The suspects are attached to the Bultfontein Public Order Policing (POP) Unit.
The group was arrested on Saturday, April 11, by members of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid).
Ipid spokesperson Phaladi Shuping said the officers were arrested for an incident that occurred in Phahameng Municipality on Sunday, September 22, 2024.
“On the day in question, members of the Public Order Police responded to a call of a domestic dispute in Phahameng Municipality, Bultfontein in the Free State, where family members were reportedly involved in a fight. It is further alleged that when police officers attempted to arrest them, they locked themselves in the house and barricaded all entry points to the house,” Shuping said.
The police officers allegedly carried out a tactical burglary of the home, during which they fired their firearms.
“Three civilians and one police officer, Constable Mojalefa Borole, who was on duty, died on the spot and 43 spent shell casings were recovered from the scene,” Shuping said.
Ipid’s investigation found that all the dead, the three civilians, all members of one family and one officer, died from gunshot wounds.
The victims were identified as Mmota Maleka, 36, Lobisa Maleka, 28, and Andries Maleka, 30, along with constable Mojalefa Borole, 30.
After the group’s brief appearance, the officers were each released on R3,000 bail.
The case has been adjourned until May 26, 2026, for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to decide on the forum for the trial.
IOL
Robin-Lee Francke
iol.co.za