The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) in the Northern Cape has called for a thorough investigation into the death of a 39-year-police officer at Nakop Border Post where he was deployed.

The deceased was found in his single quarters with a fatal gunshot wound shortly after he was withdrawn from his duties pending disciplinary processes.

Provincial POPCRU Secretary Mbabali Mkhontwana says they are disturbed by how South African Police Service (SAPS) is handling the incident.

Mkhontwana reveals that it is once again a heartbreaking incident that underscores the urgent need for SAPS to strengthen psychological and emotional support system particularly for members operating under high stress and high-pressure environment such as boarder post where members do not have families in that space.

“It also raises serious concern about management conduct in workplace culture and accountability in a manner that such sensitive matters are handled,” says Mkhontwana.

#sapsHQ [FOR OUR MEMBERS] National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola says the organisation continues to prioritise the mental health and wellbeing of its members on a daily basis and this is why it’s in-house employee health and wellness (EHW) is available 24/7 – 365… pic.twitter.com/v22HPF1LOE

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) September 10, 2025