Nine police officers arrested for 2024 Bultfontein murders

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate IPID has arrested nine police officers in connection with the alleged murder of three civilians and a fellow officer in the Free State. The arrests took place on Saturday at the Bultfontein police station following an investigation into a shooting incident in Phahameng township in September 2024. IPID spokesperson Phaladi Shuping stated that the officers, who are part of the Bultfontein Public Order Police POP Unit, face four counts of murder. The incident occurred when POP members responded to a domestic dispute. During a tactical entry by the police, firearms were discharged, leading to the deaths of three civilians from one family and Constable Mojalefa Borole. IPID's investigation revealed that all deceased individuals died from gunshot injuries, and 43 empty cartridge cases were recovered from the scene. The nine officers, holding ranks of constable and sergeant, were charged with four counts of murder and are expected to appear in the Bultfontein Magistrates Court on Monday. Separately, in the Western Cape, two people, including a 12-year-old boy, were shot dead in Delft, Cape Town, on Friday night, April 10, 2026. Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg reported that officers found the victims with gunshot wounds, and investigations are ongoing.