Eastern Cape police officer dies and colleague is hospitalised after Motherwell patrol accident
The two members were patrolling their precinct in NU 8 when the accident happened on 19 September 2026, and the circumstances are under investigation.
A police officer has died and a second member of the South African Police Service remains in hospital after a vehicle accident in Motherwell, in the Eastern Cape.
The accident happened on 19 September 2026 in Ngonyama Street, NU 8, while the two members were patrolling their policing precinct, according to a SAPS media statement issued from the office of the provincial commissioner.
Both officers were taken to hospital for treatment. One of them died of his injuries. The second officer is still under medical care.
The circumstances surrounding the accident are under investigation, SAPS said. The statement does not name the members involved and gives no further detail on how the accident occurred.
The Provincial Commissioner of the Eastern Cape, Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata, has sent condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased member.
“We are deeply shocked and saddened by the loss of one of our members in a tragic accident,” he said. “The death of a colleague is a painful loss to the entire SAPS family. Our thoughts are with the bereaved family during this difficult time, and we wish the injured member strength and a speedy recovery.”
Enquiries on the statement are directed to Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa.
Source: South African Police Service (SAPS), SAPS Management shocked by the death of police officer while another member is hospitalised following a vehicle accident
