IPID arrests 8 police officers

Eight police officers were arrested by The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) on Saturday, with the arrest of a ninth expected to follow.

They are linked to a September 2024 operation in Bultfontein, Free State, where a domestic argument escalated into a shooting that left three civilians and a constable dead.

IPID said the officers are facing four counts of murder and are expected to appear at the Bultfontein Magistrate Court on Monday, while currently held in Welkom.

“The police officers allegedly executed tactical entry into the house during which they discharged their firearms. Three civilians and one police officer died at the scene and 43 empty cartridge cases were collected from the crime scene. IPID’s investigation revealed that all the deceased - the three civilians, all members of one family, and one officer - died from gunshot injuries,” said spokesperson Lizzy Suping.