Nine Free State police officers granted R3000 bail in murder case

Nine police officers arrested in the Free State on Saturday in connection with a murder case have been released on bail. The officers appeared in the Bultfontein Magistrate’s Court on Monday, where each was granted bail of R3,000.

Sergeants Edward Mokake (45), Shadrack Kabuza (45), and Tseliso Mohoboko (44), together with Constables Johannes Mohau (30), David Mofothi (31), Lebohang Senxesi (34), Ikaneng Maropeng (42), Teboho Monaune (37), and Lehlohonolo Morapedi (38) are facing four counts of murder emanating from an incident that happened in Phahameng township on Sunday, 22 September 2024.

“It is alleged that the police officers from the Public Order Police Unit responded to a call of a domestic dispute in Phahameng, 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,” police said in a statement.

It is alleged that the officers executed a tactical entry into a house, during which they discharged their firearms. Three family members, Mmota Maleka (36), Lobisa Maleka (28), and Andries Maleka (30) were fatally shot. Constable Mojalefa Borole (30) also died during the incident.

Authorities confirmed that 43 empty cartridge cases were collected from the scene, pointing to the intensity of the shooting.

The case has been postponed to 26 May 2026 to allow the Director of Public Prosecutions to decide on the appropriate forum for the trial.