North West Police Officer Dies On Duty After Drowning During Suspect Chase

The North West Provincial Police have confirmed the heartbreaking death of a young officer who drowned while carrying out his duties in the Phokeng policing area.

Constable Gift Mota (25), a member of the Visible Policing Crime Prevention Unit at Phokeng, was on routine patrol with fellow officers when a community member alerted them to the whereabouts of a suspect allegedly linked to robbery and burglary cases.

Acting on the information, the officers proceeded to the Masosobane and Raffredy sections, a densely vegetated area near a dam, where the suspect was reportedly seen.

North West Police Officer Drowns During High-Risk Pursuit 

Upon locating the suspect, police moved in and a foot chase ensued. The suspect fled into the dam in an attempt to escape arrest. Constable Mota followed into the water but disappeared moments later while swimming behind the fleeing suspect.

Emergency protocols were immediately triggered, and the SAPS diving unit was dispatched to the scene. Tragically, the officer’s body was recovered from the dam a short while later.

Inquest Opened as SAPS Investigates Tragic Incident

Police have opened an inquest docket to establish the full circumstances surrounding the drowning. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local policing community and residents in the area.

Constable Mota had only recently been transferred to Phokeng in November 2025. He hailed from Ermelo in Mpumalanga and was regarded as a committed young officer early in his career.

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Provincial Commissioner Pays Tribute to Fallen Officer

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police in the North West, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, conveyed his heartfelt condolences to those affected by the loss.

“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,” said Major General Naidoo.

He also urged communities to continue cooperating with law enforcement in the fight against crime, while highlighting the daily risks faced by police officers in the execution of their duties.