A police officer is among seven suspects who have appeared in court following a shocking and carefully planned robbery at a Shoprite store in Ladybrand, Free State.
The accused appeared in the Ladybrand Magistrate’s Court on charges of armed robbery after the dramatic incident that unfolded on Thursday, 9 April 2026.
According to police, the suspects used deception to gain access to the store’s management office before turning violent and forcing staff to hand over large amounts of cash.
Free State police spokesperson Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli confirmed that the case has been postponed to 20 April 2026 for a formal bail application, with the State expected to oppose bail.
Among those arrested is 43 year old police officer Thabiso Motja, alongside Lefu Jonas Monyane, Matseko Maketha, and four employees linked to the store.
Police say the robbery began when two men entered the store pretending to be officers investigating an assault case. One wore a police reflective jacket while the other carried a docket, convincing staff to grant them access to the manager’s office.
Once inside, the situation escalated rapidly.
The manager was struck with a firearm and the cash office clerk was forced to open the safe. The suspects then fled with bags of cash and several cellphones.
A gunshot was heard outside as the suspects made their escape, sending shockwaves through the area. Fortunately, no one was killed.
In a major breakthrough, police later discovered a white Volkswagen Polo believed to have been used in the getaway abandoned in Loop Street. The vehicle had mismatched registration plates.
Investigators then intercepted a suspect who was later identified as a serving SAPS member. Further checks revealed he had a previous criminal record linked to kidnapping and extortion.
The case has now been handed to the Provincial Serious and Violent Crime Unit, while police continue to hunt for three more suspects believed to be involved.
Authorities have urged anyone with information to come forward as investigations intensify.
All tip offs will be treated with strict confidentiality.