Staff Reporter
The eight police officers accused of business robbery in the Free State will remain behind bars until next week when they are expected to make a formal bail application.
The suspects, who are all members of the Free State Tactical Response Team (TRT), made their initial appearance in the Kroonstad Magistrate Court on Friday facing charges of business robbery, defeating the ends of justice and perjury.
They have been named as sergeants Doctor Christian Maloisane, Tieho William Nkebenyane, Paseka Kelebohile Molifi, Sello Joseph Makonyane, Khotatso Prinsloo Bless, Madiboho Samuel Mokhethi, PH Motlejoa and Constable Luzuko Cenga.
Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Sam Makhele said in a statement the TRT members will remain in custody until October 1 when they will apply for bail.
The eight, who are based in Welkom, were arrested by the provincial anti-corruption unit on Tuesday for their alleged involvement in a business robbery committed on June 20 at a supermarket in Kroonstad.
The suspects allegedly conducted an operation at a shop in Station Street, Kroonstad, where they arrested the owner and his wife for allegedly contravening the Disaster Management Act by selling cigarettes during the national lockdown period.
The officers confiscated a large amount of money and cigarettes during the arrest.
The couple was later released, while the cash and cigarettes were handed back to them.
However, trouble started when it emerged that the amount handed back to the owners was short and they insisted on getting back their money in full.
An investigation was conducted, leading to the arrest of the eight.
Two of the accused, Molifi and Maloisane, will appear again at the Welkom Magistrates Court on Monday on a separate charge of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
A firearm and ammunition were found in their houses during a search when they were arrested.