Nine Free State police officers accused of murder were granted bail by the Bultfontein Magistrate’s Court on Monday after appearing over a 2024 shooting that claimed four lives. The accused, all attached to the Bultfontein Public Order Policing Unit, were each released on bail of R3,000.

The case stems from a police operation in Phahameng township on 22 September 2024. According to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), three civilians and a police constable died during the incident.

Nine officers released on bail after court appearance

The accused are Sergeants Edward Mokake, Shadrack Kabuza and Tseliso Mohoboko, along with Constables Johannes Mohau, David Mofothi, Lebohang Senxesi, Ikaneng Maropeng, Teboho Monaune and Lehlohonolo Morapedi. They face four counts of murder, according to the supplied source.

The Free State police officers granted bail ruling followed their arrest by IPID investigators on 11 April 2026. A second report published before Monday’s appearance also confirmed the arrests and said the officers were linked to the Bultfontein Public Order Police unit.

What IPID says happened in Bultfontein

According to IPID spokesperson Phaladi Shuping, officers responded to a domestic dispute in Phahameng township, where family members were allegedly fighting. Investigators allege that when police tried to arrest those involved, the occupants barricaded themselves inside the house.

IPID alleges the officers then carried out a tactical entry and opened fire. The dead were identified as Mmota Maleka, 36, Lobisa Maleka, 28, Andries Maleka, 30, and Constable Mojalefa Borole, 30. Investigators said 43 spent cartridge cases were recovered at the scene and that all four died from gunshot wounds.

Next court date set for May

The matter was postponed to 26 May 2026 for the Director of Public Prosecutions to decide the forum for trial, according to the supplied report. That means prosecutors must still determine how the case will proceed.

IPID’s official website says the directorate investigates deaths in police custody, deaths resulting from police action and complaints involving the discharge of official firearms. That gives the Bultfontein case broader significance beyond the immediate bail ruling, because it falls squarely within the watchdog’s oversight role.

Responses and oversight

No response from SAPS was included in the supplied source. IPID, through Shuping, has set out the allegations that led to the arrests, but the criminal case will now test that evidence in court.

For now, the central fact remains that Free State police officers granted bail in a case tied to one of the province’s most serious recent police shooting allegations. The next developments are expected when the case returns to court in late May.