The officers arrested are sergeants and constables.
Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers
The nine police officers arrested for the murder of four people, including a police officer, in the Free State are expected to appear in the Bultfontein Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
The group was arrested by members of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) on Saturday, April 11.
The suspects are attached to the Bultfontein Public Order Policing (POP) Unit and hold the ranks of sergeant and constable.
Ipid spokesperson, Phaladi Shuping, said the officers were arrested for an incident that took place 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 nine officers face four counts of murder and are currently being detained at the Welkom holding cells.
IOL