Five Cradock Cops Denied Bail in Shocking Murder Case

In a recent development, all five police officers from Cradock police station accused of murder were denied bail on Tuesday.

The officers were arrested by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) a week ago, facing charges of murder, kidnapping, and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

New Murder Charge Added

During the court proceedings, a new and alarming twist unfolded as another murder charge was added to their charges.

New information surfaced, revealing that an additional victim had succumbed to the brutality allegedly inflicted by these officers.

The case has been postponed to February 23, 2024, to allow for further investigations.

The arrest of three police officers, namely Sergeant Melikhaya Madubedube, Constable Ibanathu Jack, and Constable Ndumiso Mpondo, took place earlier in January, as reported by Ipid’s spokesperson Phaladi Shuping.

Subsequently, an investigation led to the arrest of two more officers, Sergeant Vuyane Mahlasela and Sergeant Khulile Damane.

The disturbing incident is said to have originated when one of the police officers was allegedly robbed by a group of men while off duty.

Seeking retribution, the officer, with the assistance of colleagues, located and assaulted three suspects.

The victims were then taken to a secluded place and later to the Public Order Police building, where they were further assaulted.

Tragically, one victim, Thabang Mbovane, aged 29, collapsed in the building and was only discovered by fellow officers when they reported for duty.

The second victim, Sindile Makoa, aged 34, also passed away on Monday, leading to the addition of a second murder charge against the accused officers.

According to Luxolo Tyali, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, the cause of death for the second victim has been described as blunt force head trauma.

Tyali further stated, “A second charge of murder was added against all the five accused. That charge replaces one attempted murder count.”

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