According to police spokesperson, Tlangelani Rikhotso, four of the five suspects appeared before the Itsoseng Magistrate’s Court while the fifth accused appeared before the Child Justice Court - as the suspect is a minor.

Rikhotso says al suspects were remanded in custody and the case was postponed to Thursday 5 August for bail application and preliminary enquiries respectively.

OFM News previously reported the suspects were arrested earlier this week for the alleged murder of two Mareetsane police officials.

The suspects face charges of murder, malicious damage to property and possession of a stolen firearm.

It is alleged that the accused, Benjamin Jacobs (42), Jeremiah Mongale (26), Rapulana Keikantse (25) and Matthews Modukanele (20) were found by the late police officials with a vehicle filled with what seemed to be stolen goats.

“The members reported the incident to the commander and mentioned that they would be bringing the suspects’ vehicle to the police station soon. About an hour later, the police reported that they were not far from the police station,” says Rikhotso. Once the police officers were unreachable a manhunt for the police officers was immediately launched, adds Rikhotso.

She says that community members alerted the police of blood stains on the road leading to the police station.

“When the scene was visited, a knife and a police badge belonging to one of the deceased was found and a second badge was found near Mareetsane Road. Further investigations led the team to a burnt state vehicle wherein the bodies of the deceased police officers were discovered,” Rikotso further adds.

She said that the team searched tirelessly until they traced and nabbed the five suspects who were allegedly found with a 9mm pistol which was taken from the murdered police officers.

“A hammer, clothing with suspected blood stains, and a vehicle have been seized for further investigation,” adds Rikhotsto.

OFM News/Lee Simmons