Police are investigating a culpable homicide case following a fatal crash on Saturday that claimed the life of a police officer on his way to work. It is alleged that the officer’s state firearm was stolen from the scene.

KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Paul Magwaza said police are investigating a case of culpable homicide after Verulam police attended a two-vehicle accident on Jabu Ngcobo Road on Saturday. 

Magwaza said it is alleged that one vehicle was headed in the direction of Verulam, while the other was headed in the direction of Inanda. 

“A member of the South African Police Service at King Shaka International Airport (KSIA) was a driver of one of the vehicles. He was on his way to work and sadly lost his life,” Magwaza said. 

Magwaza confirmed that the police officer’s service firearm was not found on him. 

Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa) spokesperson Prem Balram said the incident occurred around 5.33pm when Rusa responded to an emergency call. He said that upon arrival, reaction officers found two extensively damaged vehicles.

“It was alleged that the blue Hyundai i20, driven by the fully uniformed police officer, was on route from Inanda to his appointed police station. He collided with the grey Volvo S40. The force of the impact pushed the Hyundai i20 off the road and into nearby sugarcane fields,” Balram said. 

“The Volvo S40 carried two female passengers, one of whom suffered a fractured hand and received immediate medical care from a private ambulance service at the scene.” 

He said a state firearm belonging to the police officer was stolen from the scene. 

Balram said witnesses reported a large crowd had gathered around the vehicles before first responders arrived.

It was alleged that two foreign nationals were seen reaching into the vehicle and then walking towards a white VW Caddy. 

“It is believed that the firearm was stolen by the foreign nationals while the policeman lay deceased in the driver’s seat. It could not be confirmed if they left the scene before the officers arrived to attend to the culpable homicide,” Balram said. 

Meanwhile, ET Rapid Response managing director Tony Lokker said Friday was a tough day. 

“Around 4pm we got word that one of our armed response officers was involved in a serious accident in the Illovo area. Our vehicle was struck from behind while travelling on the R102. Our response vehicle rolled multiple times before coming to rest on the side of the road, while the other vehicle ended up deep in the bush further down the road. Our officer was taken to Kingsway Hospital via ambulance, where he was admitted. Fortunately, no serious injuries were sustained, and he was released later that evening,” Lokker said. 

He said, amid celebrating that the security officer was okay, they learned another officer was stabbed.

Lokker said the Community Crime Prevention Organisation had received a call from a foot patroller about a suspicious man with a bicycle. However, when confronted, the suspect fled. 

“Our response officer arrived within minutes, and when he tried to apprehend the suspect, he was stabbed twice in the face. He managed to defend himself and shot the suspect,” Lokker said. 

He said the suspect ran away but collapsed near the scene and died. 

“Our response officer was rushed to Kingsway Hospital, and later transferred to Chatsmed Hospital due to his facial injuries,” Lokker said. 

He said that on Saturday morning, the man was stable and talking. 

Lokker thanked everyone who responded to their aid in time of need. 

“We are very thankful that both Brenton and Christian came through to fight another day!” Lokker said. 

Lieutenant Colonel Magwaza confirmed the incident. 

thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za

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