POTCHEFSTROOM – The SAPS in the North West Province are mourning the death of a member, Constable Gift Mota (25) in the line of duty. He drowned in a dam during the pursuit of a suspect wanted in connection with robbery and burglary cases in Phokeng.
The police confirmed the young officer, who had been attached to the Visible Policing Crime Prevention unit in Phokeng, died on Friday 6 February.
Col. Adéle Myburgh, spokesperson for the North West police, said that Mota had been in the company of fellow members during the chase of the suspect.
“The police members accompanied a community member to the Masosobane and Raffredy sections, a bushy area with a nearby dam. Upon spotting the suspect, the members gave chase. The suspect ran into the dam, and during the pursuit Mota entered the water. He subsequently disappeared, whilst swimming behind the suspect. The diving unit was activated, which sadly recovered the body of the constable from the dam shortly after the incident,” said Myburgh.
Maj Gen. Ryno Naidoo, the acting provincial commissioner of police in the North West, has expressed his deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Mota.
“We have lost a dedicated police officer, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty while serving and protecting the community. Mota’s bravery and commitment will not be forgotten. The police stand with his family during this painful time and will ensure that they receive the necessary support,” said Naidoo.
ALSO READ: Fallen Free State police officers honoured in special ceremony
He called on communities to continue working closely with the police in the fight against crime, while also acknowledging the dangers that police officers face daily in the execution of their duties.
Myburgh said that, originally being from Ermelo in Mpumalanga, Mota had been transferred to Phokeng in November last year. She said an inquest docket has been opened to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
You must be logged in to post a comment.