The officers were arrested at the Bultfontein police station following an investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) into a shooting incident in September 2024. Three civilians and one police officer were killed during the incident.

Of the nine, six are from the Bultfontein police station. Their arrest is linked to a response by the public order police unit to a domestic dispute over a stolen cellphone.

It is alleged on the day, the public order members responded to a call of a domestic dispute in the Phahameng township, where family members were allegedly involved in a fight.

It is further alleged that as police officers tried to apprehend them, they locked themselves inside the house and barricaded all access points into the house.

“The police officers executed a tactical entry into the house during which they discharged their firearms,” said Ipid spokesperson Lizzy Suping. “Three civilians and one police officer died at the scene, and 43 empty cartridge cases were collected from the crime scene.

“Ipid’s investigation revealed that all the deceased, the three civilians, all members of one family, and one officer died from gunshot injuries.”

All nine officers were arrested on Saturday (11/4) and are being held in Welkom.

Ipid acting head of investigations, Thuso Keefelakae, said the arrest of multiple officers is a difficult but necessary step. He warned such incidents place a strain on already limited policing resources and may affect service delivery.

The department of community safety, roads and transport welcomed the arrest of the police officers for the killing of four people in Bultfontein. “We welcome the arrest and commend the dedicated men and women in blue who worked tirelessly to bring the suspects to book,” said MEC Jabu Mbalula.

“We will not hesitate to act against a few rotten apples within our ranks. We are confident we have built a strong case against the suspects and are confident of a successful prosecution.”

“We have been making efforts to rebuild trust between the police and our communities, and such actions on the part of the police undermine our efforts to combat crime and strengthen our relationship with communities,” he said.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame dg

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