The officers attached to the public order policing unit in Bultfontein face four counts of murder linked to a fatal shooting incident that took place in September 2024. Each of the nine officers was granted bail of R3,000 in April.

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 the Bultfontein Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday (26/5).

The charges are linked to a response by the public order policing unit to a domestic dispute over a stolen cell phone in Phahameng that escalated into a deadly confrontation.

After a call from the township that family members were involved in a fight, officers 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.

“Ipid had concluded its investigations and would hand over the case to the director of public prosecutions for further investigation.”

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 spokesperson Phaladi Shuping said it does not give us gratification to see police members being arrested. “Those are the people who are supposed to serve and protect our communities.

“Such incidents further strain challenged service delivery and exacerbate the shortage of police personnel. If you take them away from their responsibilities, we are hampering service delivery in terms of the protection of community members.”

OFM News/Zenande Mpame sm

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