A Cape Town police constable is under investigation following allegations of a fatal hit-and-run and a subsequent "cover-up" in Bellville. The incident, which occurred on 30 November on Voortrekker Road, allegedly involved the off-duty officer striking a pedestrian with his white Mercedes-Benz.
SAPS spokesperson Colonel Andrè Traut confirmed that a culpable homicide case has been opened following the death of a 30-year-old man on that day. "It is further alleged that an off-duty police officer was the driver of the vehicle involved and that he was removed from the scene by two police officers attached to Ravensmead police station," said Traut.
News24 has seen an internal police report which corroborates key elements of the source’s account. “The victim was lying on the road, dead on arrival,” the report read.
A source with intimate knowledge of the matter told News24 that the Ravensmead-based police officer – whose name is known to the publication – allegedly struck a pedestrian with his white Mercedes-Benz on Voortrekker Road in Bellville on 30 November. It is alleged that two of his colleagues picked him up from the scene, returning briefly afterwards before leaving again.
"A human being was left for dead like a dog on the street by those who are supposed to protect and serve," the source told News24, insisting it could "not be kept hidden or swept under the police carpet."
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) spokesperson Lizzy Suping referred questions to the South African Police Service (SAPS). "The matter is investigated by SAPS because he was off duty, as well as the alleged acts of the other officers," said Suping.
Colonel Traut stated that "These serious allegations are not taken lightly by SAPS management and are now the subject of a formal investigation. Should any SAPS member be found to have acted unlawfully, they will face the consequences.” When asked if the officer had been suspended, Traut declined to comment, saying only that the “investigation is ongoing”. However, when News24 contacted the station, the officer’s colleague confirmed he was working a night shift.
DA MP Nicholas Gotsell has called for the officer’s removal from operational duty and insisted that the scene and evidence had to be handled with “absolute integrity”. "Anything less undermines justice and public confidence," said Gotsell. "For my part, I have added this case to a growing list of provincial crooked cop matters that must be subjected to proper process and must face the full might of the law, including any officers who may have covered up crimes committed by fellow police members.”
Jay Jay Idel, spokesperson for Cape Flats-based Fight Against Crime SA (Facsa), said the organisation had received the same information as News24 and urged police management to take swift and transparent action. Idel stated: "These allegations, if accurate, represent a breakdown in accountability, public trust, and the basic principles of justice. No officer should be shielded from due process."
He described as “deeply concerning” that the SAPS was handling the investigation, rather than IPID. "When allegations involve a police officer, the removal of a suspect from a crime scene, and a potential cover-up by fellow officers, that is exactly when independent oversight is required. Expecting SAPS to investigate SAPS in a matter of this seriousness undermines public confidence. IPID declining to investigate raises serious questions about accountability and whether justice will be seen to be done," he said, adding that Facsa would be keeping a close eye on the case.
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