North West NPA spokesperson, Henry Mamothame, says the case was postponed due the unavailability of the Regional Court's Magistrate. The state intends opposing bail for all five, including the 16-year-old minor. His bail application will be heard separately in accordance with the Child Justice Act's regulations.

Four of the accused will remain in police custody, while the minor is detained at a  juvenile center until the next court appearance.

READ MORE: Appointment of private attorneys for alleged cop killers delays bail

"According to police reports, the two murdered officers attended to a stock theft incident in Mareestane, however, the pair failed to return to the station and were declared missing. A search operation was subsequently conducted. Their burned remains were later discovered at the back of their burned state vehicle on 27 July 2021 in Ganyesa. The police are conducting further investigations into the killings," says Mamothame.

Benjamin Jacobs (42), Jeremiah Mongale (26), Rapulana Keikantse (25), Matthews Modukane (20), and a 16-year-old boy are facing charges of murder, malicious damage to property and possession of a stolen firearm.

"They are charged for the murder of  Simon  Ntsekeletsa (50) and  Mojalefa  Molete (42)," Mamothame says.

OFM News/Blaine Jones