By Libuseng Nyaka
QWAQWA – Four men accused of murdering two police officers from Namahadi Police Station have made a U-turn and abandoned their bid for bail. The decision was announced in the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.
The accused, Pakiso Lethako (32), Kabelo Anmony Marasane (27), Thetha Piet Lakaje (53), and Mpho Richard Mosia (29), face multiple charges, including house robbery, two counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit a crime.
The court postponed the matter to April 8, 2025, for further investigation.
“There is still a need to trace a fifth suspect, and ballistic reports on the firearms are still pending analysis, while the post-mortem has already been completed,” Magistrate said during the postponement ruling.
Additionally, Phuthaditjhaba Magistrate court ordered medical attention for one of the accused, Kabelo Marasane, after his lawyer, Advocate Molefe Lehabe, informed the court that he was unwell.
“I will make an order for him to receive medical attention on the charge sheet,” Bouwer declared.
Hiding their faces alleged cops killers from left Pakiso Lethako, Kabelo Marasane, Thetha Piet Lakaje and Mpho Richard Mosia during their appearance before Phuthaditjhaba magistrate court.
Advocate Lehabe, a legal aid lawyer, also represented Pakiso Lethako and Mpho Richard Mosia, while Thetha Piet Lakaje had separate legal representation.The case is being prosecuted by Free State Chief Prosecutor, Advocate Sello Mahlo.
The charges stem from the brutal murder of Constable Sipho Mohapi and Constable Gedione Motloung of the Namahadi Visible Policing Unit.
The two officers were shot and killed while responding to a house robbery on January 4, 2025.
