By Charmaine Ndlela
Nine Free State police officers accused of murdering three civilians and a fellow officer in a 2024 shooting in Phahameng were granted R3,000 bail each at the Bultfontein Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
The officers were arrested by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) on Saturday for the killings, which took place on 22 September 2024.
According to IPID, the officers, who are part of the Public Order Police unit, had responded to a domestic dispute in Phahameng involving family members when the killings took place.
“[As] police officers tried to apprehend them, they locked themselves inside the house and barricaded all access points into the house,” said IPID in a statement.
The officers then “allegedly executed tactical entry into the house during which they discharged their firearms”.
Three family members — Mmota Maleka, 36, Lobisa Maleka, 28, and Andries Maleka, 30 — were killed, along with Constable Mojalefa Borole, 30.
IPID said that 43 empty cartridge cases were collected from the crime scene.
The accused are Sergeants Edward Mokake, 45, Shadrack Kabuza, 45, and Tseliso Mohoboko, 44, together with Constables Johannes Mohau, 30, David Mofothi, 31, Lebohang Senxesi, 34, Ikaneng Maropeng, 42, Teboho Monaune, 37, and Lehlohonolo Morapedi, 38. They face four counts of murder.
The matter was postponed to 26 May.