Nine officers from the Bultfontein Public Order Policing Unit in the Free State have been arrested following an IPID investigation into a September 2024 shooting that killed three civilians and one police officer. They face four counts of murder and are due in Bultfontein Magistrate’s Court on Monday. The incident arose from a police response to a stolen cellphone complaint.
Nine police officers were arrested at the Bultfontein police station and are expected to appear in the Bultfontein Magistrate’s Court on Monday, facing four counts of murder. The arrests stem from an investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) into a shooting incident in September 2024, which resulted in the deaths of three civilians and Constable Mojalefa Borole.
The Public Order Police Unit had responded to a domestic dispute over a stolen cellphone. IPID spokesperson Phaladi Shupping stated: “Police responded to a complaint about a stolen cellphone. During that process, a shooting occurred where a police officer was killed. Backup was called. It is alleged that officers forced their way into the house and shot three family members who were inside.”
IPID Acting Head of Investigations Thuso Keefelakae described the arrests as a difficult but necessary step, noting the strain on the small Bultfontein station serving the town and surrounding farms. “As IPID, we are mandated to investigate such matters without fear, favour or prejudice,” Keefelakae said.
The arrests have shocked the Bultfontein community. Community Policing Forum chairperson George Masheane said: “This is disturbing. Our community is already facing crime challenges, including drugs. We need more police on duty, not fewer.” The officers are held in Welkom, and SAPS management has deployed additional resources to maintain service delivery.