Police in the North West have opened an inquest docket to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of a SAPS member in Phokeng.
Constable Gift Mota, drowned on duty while in pursuit of a suspect linked to cases of robbery and burglary in the Phokeng policing area.
According to the police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh, Mota and his colleagues, were performing patrol duties when they were approached by a community member who alleged that they had spotted a wanted suspect.
“The police members accompanied the 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 Constable Mota entered the water.
He subsequently disappeared from sight, whilst swimming behind the suspect,” said Myburgh.
Myburgh said a diving unit was activated and sadly recovered Mota’s body from the dam shortly after the incident.
The 25-year-old Mota was transferred to Phokeng in November 2025 and is originally from Ermelo in Mpumalanga.
Meanwhile, the acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, has expressed his deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased member.
“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,” remarked Naidoo.
Naidoo further called on communities to continue collaborating 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.”
