Four police officers from Cradock, in the Eastern Cape, have been arrested after they allegedly murdered a suspect accused of robbery. Police watchdog IPID’s Phaladi Shuping explains what occurred:

“The police officers allegedly hunted down the deceased after accusing him of being one of the people who robbed one of the police officers and took him to the POPS building where they allegedly assaulted him.”

This was reportedly followed by them in an unconscious state when they reported off duty: “He was discovered by the police officers from the other shift, and they reported death in custody, which was investigated by IPID,” adds Shuping.

The officials are expected to appear in the Cradock Magistrates’ Court on Friday 19 January for a formal bail application.

They face charges relating to murder, kidnapping, and assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

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