This, after the suspects - Thembelone Ngalaka, Thabang Komane, and Thabiso Phelenyane – appeared briefly in the same court last week where they were remanded in custody and their case was postponed for a formal bail application.

OFM News has reported that the 31-year-old police officer was gunned down at his home in Bloemspruit.

The back door of the house had been forced open, before the assailants opened fire on the constable.

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 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 a 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 the possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

OFM News