Limpopo police constable arrested for culpable homicide after fatal incident involving child

A Limpopo Police Constable faces serious charges after his arrest for culpable homicide and allegedly driving a state vehicle under the influence.

Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the 36-year-old Constable, stationed at Motetema Police Station in Sekhukhune District, allegedly drove a state vehicle under the influence and struck an 8-year-old boy in the Hlogotlou policing area on August 8 at approximately 19:15.

“It is reported that a Police Constable was driving a state vehicle when he allegedly knocked down an eight years 8-year-old child along the road at Mogaung village, heading in the direction.”

Emergency medical services personnel were called to the scene, but the victim succumbed to his injuries.

He added that preliminary investigations suggest the Constable was driving under the influence of a substance during the incident, and that the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has been notified to conduct further investigations.

The Constable is set to appear before Nebo Magistrate’s Court on August 11, facing charges of culpable homicide and alleged driving under the influence of alcohol.

Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, strongly welcomed the arrest, emphasising the department’s commitment to accountability and justice.

"The police are expected to conduct themselves in terms of the SAPS Code of Ethics as well as the Code of Conduct at all material times." 

The Star

masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za