On Saturday (27/3), at approximately 19:01, two officers, a sergeant, 34, and a constable, 42,  responded to a theft complaint at a local liquor store in the area. Upon arrival, security guards handed over two suspects, one of whom was identified as a fellow police member from crime intelligence.

According to police reports, the attending officers allegedly showed preferential treatment and failed to follow standard operating procedures. The complainant, a security guard, was placed in the back of the police van, while the suspect officer was allowed to sit in the front. 

The second suspect was reportedly permitted to drive his own private vehicle to the police station.

Free State police spokesperson sgt. Mahlomola Kareli said although a statement was taken from the complainant, the suspects were taken to the holding cells but were never officially detained, and no criminal docket was registered.

Further investigations revealed that the 34-year-old sergeant allegedly oversaw the process, with all three officers collectively deciding to bypass legal protocols.

The irregularity was discovered the following morning, on 28 September 2025, prompting the immediate registration of a case docket and the subsequent arrest of the original theft suspects.

The three officers are now facing charges of defeating the ends of justice and aiding and abetting. They are expected to make their first appearance at the Batho Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday (4/4).

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