Nine Free State Police Arrested for Murder in Township Shooting
South Africa’s police watchdog has arrested nine officers from the Public Order Policing Unit in Bultfontein, Free State, on charges of murder following a shooting incident that left four people dead, including one of their own colleagues.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) confirmed the arrests on Saturday. The officers are expected to appear before the Bultfontein Magistrate’s Court on Monday, facing four counts of murder.
What happened
The charges stem from an incident in September 2024 in Phahameng township. According to IPID investigators, the officers had been dispatched to respond to a report of a domestic dispute at a residential property.
It is alleged that upon arrival, the police forced their way into a house where the occupants had barricaded themselves inside. Once inside, the officers allegedly opened fire.
Three civilians were killed in the shooting. The fourth victim was identified as Constable Mojalefa Borole, a member of the same police unit.
IPID
IPID, which investigates criminal offenses committed by members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), has not yet released the names of the three civilian victims pending family notification.
The exact circumstances leading up to the use of deadly force remain under investigation. Authorities have not disclosed whether any of the occupants were armed or whether the officers issued warnings before entering the premises.
SAPS management has reportedly been informed of the arrests. Police officials typically suspend officers facing serious criminal charges, though no official confirmation of suspensions was immediately available.
The case has drawn renewed attention to the conduct of Public Order Policing units, which are trained to handle crowd control and high-risk operations but have faced previous allegations of excessive force.
The nine officers remain in custody and will make their first court appearance on Monday. IPID has urged anyone with additional information about the September 2024 shooting to come forward.
