The South African Police Service (SAPS) has honoured the bravery of Constable Gift Mota, 25, who tragically lost his life while pursuing a robbery and burglary suspect in the Phokeng policing area of the North West Province on Wednesday, 4 February.
Mota, originally from Ermelo, Mpumalanga, was a member of the Visible Policing Crime Prevention Unit at Phokeng. While on patrol with colleagues, they were approached by a community member who reported spotting a suspect connected to multiple cases of robbery and burglary.
Following the tip-off, the officers, including him, accompanied the community member to the Masosobane and Raffredy sections, a densely bushy area near a local dam. Upon sighting the suspect, the officers gave chase. The suspect fled into the water in a desperate attempt to evade arrest.
In an extraordinary act of courage and unwavering dedication to his duty, it is revealed that Mota pursued the suspect into the dam. Tragically, he disappeared while swimming. The SAPS diving unit was immediately deployed and recovered his body shortly after.
An inquest docket has been opened to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
SAPS has paid tribute to Mota’s selfless service, describing his death as a profound loss to both the police and the community he served so faithfully.
“To Constable Mota’s family, loved ones, and colleagues, the SAPS shares your grief and stands with you in solidarity. May you find strength in the knowledge that Constable Gift Mota served with extraordinary courage and dedication. The SAPS family extends its deepest, heartfelt condolences. May you rest in peace, Constable Gift Mota. Your courage and devotion will be remembered with deep admiration,” the SAPS said.
Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police in the North West, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, expressed his deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Constable Mota.
“We have lost a dedicated police officer who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty while serving and protecting the community. Constable 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 Major General Naidoo.
He also called on communities to continue collaborating with the police in the fight against crime, while acknowledging the daily dangers officers face in performing their duties.
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za
Saturday Star