Central SA
Free State police officers granted bail in Bultfontein murder case─── KEKELETSO MOSEBETSI 15:34 Mon, 13 Apr 2026
Nine Free State police officers have been granted bail by the Bultfontein Magistrate’s Court following their appearance on Monday (13/4) on charges of murder.
Johannes Phafane, 35, David Matothi, 31, Edward Mokake, 45, Lebohang Senxezi, 33, Vuyisile Kabuza, 45, Ikakeng Maropeng, 42, Teboho Monaune, 37, Lehlohonolo Morapedi, 38, and Tsheliso Mohoboko, 44, appeared in court after their arrest on Saturday (11/4). They face four counts of murder.
Each of the nine officers was granted bail of R3,000, and the matter has been postponed to 26 May. The charges are linked to a response by a public order policing unit to a domestic dispute over a stolen cell phone.
Ipid launched an investigation into the fatal shooting incident in September 2024 that claimed the lives of three civilians and one police officer. The officers were taken into custody at the Bultfontein police station, where six of the accused are stationed.
On the day of the incident, officers responded to a call in the Phahameng township, where family members were reportedly involved in a fight. When police attempted to intervene, those inside the house allegedly locked themselves in and barricaded all entry points.
“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.
During the court proceedings in the affidavits read by their legal counsel, the accused stated they intend to plead not guilty. Senior state prosecutor Goodman Makhanya said the state does not oppose bail as the suspects are not a flight risk.
“Ipid’s investigation revealed that all the deceased, the three civilians, all members of one family, and one officer died from gunshot injuries,” he said. Ipid had concluded its investigations and would hand over the case to the director of public prosecutions for further investigations.
All nine officers were arrested on Saturday (11/4) and are being held in Welkom pending further legal proceedings.
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