13/02/2026
Officer Drowns While Chasing Suspect
RUSTENBURG HERALD – PHOKENG – The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the North West Province has confirmed the tragic death of a police officer who drowned while on duty in the Phokeng policing area.
According to North West SAPS spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh, Constable Gift Mota (25), who was attached to the Visible Policing Crime Prevention Unit at Phokeng, was on patrol with fellow officers when they were approached by a community member who reported spotting a suspect linked to several cases of robbery and burglary.
The officers immediately responded to the information and proceeded to pursue the suspect. During the chase, Constable Mota reportedly fell into water and drowned.
Police management has conveyed their heartfelt condolences to the Mota family, friends, and colleagues. An inquest docket has been opened, and investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing.
