Wendy Dondolo|Published
Two North West police officers have died in separate road accidents, with the death of one officer being investigated as murder after she was allegedly struck by a BMW SUV at a Lichtenburg mall while on duty.
Warrant Officer Ennice Nortman, 53, and Constable Itumeleng Johannes Pule, 40, died in separate incidents in the province over the past few days, according to the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Officer struck by BMW SUV at Lichtenburg mall
Police spokesperson Colonel Adéle Myburgh said Nortman, who was attached to North West Provincial Crime Intelligence in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District, sustained fatal injuries on Monday, October 19, after allegedly being struck by a BMW SUV while crossing the driveway at Lichtenburg Mall on Dr Nelson Mandela Drive.
She was on duty during the incident and was transported to hospital by emergency medical services for medical treatment,” Myburgh said.
“Sadly, she succumbed to her injuries later that evening.”
The driver, identified as 23-year-old Akilesh Gupta, was arrested following preliminary investigations.
A murder case is being investigated, while further charges relating to an alleged contravention of immigration legislation are also being pursued.
Gupta appeared in the Lichtenburg Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, October 21, and was remanded in custody until his next court appearance on Tuesday, October 27.
Second officer dies in R378 collision
In a separate incident, Pule, who was attached to the Vryburg Stock Theft and Endangered Species unit in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, died in a collision on Sunday, October 18.
The 40-year-old was driving his red Volkswagen Polo Vivo on the R378, about 20km before Ganyesa, at approximately 8.10pm when his vehicle collided with a Nissan NP200 travelling in the opposite direction.
Pule was declared dead at the scene.
“His wife, who was a passenger in the vehicle, sustained slight injuries and was transported to a local hospital for medical attention,” Myburgh said.
Police have opened a culpable homicide case at Ganyesa police station as investigations continue to establish the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Commissioner pays tribute to fallen officers
Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Arthur Peter Adams expressed his condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of both officers, describing their deaths as a painful loss for the police service and the communities they served.
“The loss of two of our members in separate road accidents of which one is now a murder investigation, is deeply painful. These officers served the organisation and their communities, and their passing is a reminder of the risks and uncertainties associated with life and duty,” Adams said.
He also extended his sympathies to those injured in the incidents and wished them a speedy recovery.
The provincial commissioner has urged members of the public not to record, share or circulate CCTV footage and other videos relating to crime incidents on social media or other platforms.
SAPS warned that circulating such material could compromise ongoing investigations and prejudice the integrity of the investigative process.
“Members of the public are urged to allow the police to conduct their investigation without interference and to provide any relevant information or footage directly to the investigating officers,” Myburgh said.
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