Cop’s bail application reserved for Tuesday

By Libuseng Nyaka

QWAQWA – The Phuthaditjhaba magistrate court has reserved judgement on the bail application of a 29-year-old police officer who is accused of possession of unlicenced firearms and live ammunition.

Judgement will be delivered on Tuesday January 28,2025.

Mojalefa Dlamini – a police officer based at Fouriesburg border post – was arrested by police in Mangaung village on Monday 20, 2025 in connection with the murder of two police officers, Constables Gedione Motloung 39 and Sipho Motaung.

During his court appearance he was only charged with possession of unlicenced firearms and life ammunition.

But during Dlamini’s arrest on Monday January 20 2025 following a tip off from community members who linked him to the murder of the two constables, police could not link him to the murder pending ballistics results.

Opposing Dlamini’s bail bid, the state said there is a strong case against him pending a ballistic report which will link him to the murder of Constables Motloung and Mohapi who have since been laid to rest on January 16 and 17 respectively.

“We are still waiting for a ballistics report and there is a possibility that the firearms found in the possession of the accused could have been used during the murder of the two cops. If he is released on bail there is a possibility that he could interfere with the witnesses or evidence because he is a police officer and the case is handled by his colleagues some of whom are not aware he has been suspended,” Captain Masekoa testified.

Captain Masekoa said it is in the interest of justice and for Dlamini’s own safety that the is not released because the community is outrageous.

“During his arrest community members who gave us the tip off that led to his arrest were outrageous and wanted to take law into their hands. We are appearing here under heavy police guard in anticipation that there could be trouble.”

But Dlamini through his lawyer Kaibe Kaibe poured cold water on the state’s evidence, arguing that there is no evidence that links his client to the murder of two police offices.

“He has not been charged with murder because there is nothing linking him to that crime. The real murder suspects have been charged,” Kaibe told the court.

The court also heard that although Dlamini has been declared unfit to hold a work firearm following his alleged case of involvement in a murder, it was later withdrawn therefore he has no previous convictions.

Pleading with the court Dlamini said he could only afford bail of R1000.

The three accused of cops murder are Kabelo Antony Marasane (27) from Makgalaneng village, Pakiso Lethako (33) a Lesotho national and Thetha Piet Lakaje (53), are expected to be in Phuthditjhaba magistrate.