Nine cops granted bail in Free State shooting that claimed four lives

The nine Free State police officers charged with murder were granted bail by the Bultfontein Magistrate’s Court on Monday. 

The accused 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, face four counts of murder. 

The suspects are attached to the Bultfontein Public Order Policing (POP) Unit. 

The group was arrested by members of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) on Saturday, April 11.

Ipid spokesperson, Phaladi Shuping, said the officers were arrested for an incident that took place in the Phahameng township on Sunday, September 22, 2024.

“On the day in question, Public Order Police members responded to a call of a domestic dispute in Phahameng township, Bultfontein in the Free State, 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,” Shuping said. 

The police officers allegedly executed a tactical entry into the house during which they discharged their firearms. 

“Three civilians and one police officer, Constable Mojalefa Borole, who was on duty, died at the scene, and 43 empty cartridge cases were collected from the crime scene,” Shuping said. 

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

The victims were identified as Mmota Maleka, 36, Lobisa Maleka, 28, and Andries Maleka, 30,  together with Constable Mojalefa Borole, 30.

After the group’s brief appearance, the officers were released on R3,000 bail each. 

The matter has been postponed until May 26, 2026, for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to decide on the forum for the trial. 

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