Update

CRADOCK NEWS - The bail application of the five police officers of the Public Order Police (Pops) in Cradock continues with the investigating officer cross-examined yesterday, Tuesday 23 January.

Melikhaya Madubedube (41), Ibanathi Jack (33), Ndumiso Mpondo (29), Khulile Damane (46) and Vuyani Mahlasela (31) each face two charges of murder, two counts of attempted murder, assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm and three counts of kidnapping.

These charges follow their arrests on 11 and 12 January after the body of a 29-year-old man was found at the Cradock police headquarters and two other people, one of who died over the weekend, were severely assaulted.

According to Luxolo Tyali, regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), it is alleged that the officers were patrolling the town when the incidents occurred.  

As previously reported, one of the victims was allegedly handcuffed and assaulted by the officers because of a stolen phone belonging to one of the officers. 

"They allegedly drove on the R61 road out of town, where they stopped, assaulted, pepper-sprayed and suffocated him," said Tyali.

The two other victims suffered the same fate that night. When it was time for the shift change, the accused officers returned to their station, where they reportedly instructed the first and second victims to leave the premises.

"The third victim, however, faced a more severe situation as he was allegedly dragged to a nearby tap, where water was poured on him," said Tyali. 

Following this disturbing incident, the officers allegedly left the victim for dead where he was later found by another police officer. Emergency services were contacted and upon their arrival the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

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