Nine police officers accused of killing three civilians and a fellow officer during a 2024 police operation in Phahameng township have been granted bail by the Bultfontein Magistrate’s Court.
The officers appeared in court after being arrested on Saturday, 11 April 2026, following an investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID). They each face four counts of murder linked to a controversial incident that took place on 22 September 2024.
According to IPID, members of the Public Order Police Unit were dispatched to a domestic violence complaint in Phahameng, Bultfontein, in the Free State. On arrival, it is alleged that family members involved in a dispute locked themselves inside a house and barricaded entry points.
Police allegedly carried out a tactical entry into the home, during which several shots were fired. Three members of the Maleka family—Mmota Maleka (36), Lobisa Maleka (28), and Andries Maleka (30)—as well as Constable Mojalefa Borole (30), were killed during the operation.
A total of 43 spent cartridge cases were recovered at the scene, forming part of the evidence compiled by investigators. IPID later concluded that all four deceased died from gunshot wounds sustained during the operation.
The accused officers include Sergeants Edward Mokake (45), Shadrack Kabuza (45), and Tseliso Mohoboko (44), as well as Constables Johannes Mohau (30), David Mofothi (31), Lebohang Senxesi (34), Ikaneng Maropeng (42), Teboho Monaune (37), and Lehlohonolo Morapedi (38).
The court granted each officer bail of R3,000 and set the next court date for 26 May 2026. The matter is expected to be referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to decide on the appropriate forum for trial proceedings.
IPID spokesperson Phaladi Shuping confirmed the arrests and said the investigation established that the deaths occurred during the police tactical operation. He added that all the deceased were confirmed to have died from gunshot injuries.
Shuping said IPID had been mandated to ensure accountability in cases where police conduct results in fatalities, particularly during operational deployments.
The case has drawn significant public attention due to the involvement of multiple officers and the death of both civilians and a serving police member during the same incident. Questions have also been raised about the proportionality of force used during the operation.
All nine officers remain suspended pending further legal proceedings and are expected to return to court in May when the state outlines its next steps in the prosecution process.
The matter continues to be closely monitored as it moves toward trial, with both accountability and police operational conduct expected to come under scrutiny.
