The formal bail application of five police members of the Cradock Public Order Policing (Pops) unit has been postponed until Monday.

The Pops members appeared in the Cradock Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

Seven officers were initially arrested, but charges against two were provisionally withdrawn.

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

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

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

The first victim 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,” says Tyali.

Two other victims suffered the same fate on the same night before the last victim’s body was found at the police station.

When it was time for the shift change, the accused officers returned to their station. Upon their return, 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,” says Tyali.

Following the disturbing incident, the officers allegedly left the victim for dead. He was later found by a colleague. Emergency services were contacted and upon their arrival, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.