This, after the suspects - Thembelone Ngalaka, Thabang Komane, and Thabiso Phelenyane – appeared briefly in the Local Magistrate's Court last week where their case was postponed to October 29 for a formal bail application.

The 31-year-old police officer was gunned down at his home in Bloemspruit. His assailants reportedly forced open the back door of the house and opened fire on him.

Mokgadinyane was stationed at the Park Road Police Station in Bloemfontein as part of the Crime Intelligence Unit.

Hawks spokesperson, Lynda Steyn, said an intelligence-driven operation comprising of members from various law enforcement units was established following the officer’s death and led them to where the suspects were hiding.

She said the trio was thereafter arrested in possession of a gun, laptop, and wallet belonging to Mokgadinyane. The firearm seized was reportedly stolen in Hennenman.

All three suspects aged between 22 and 29, are charged with murder, theft, and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

OFM News