Calls for probe into constable’s suicide at Nakop border post

THE POLICE and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) and bereaved family members of Constable Lesley Mabitsela, 39, who died after apparently shooting himself with his service pistol at the Nakop border post on October 8, are calling for a full-scale investigation into his death.

The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear. His brother indicated that he was not aware of Mabitsela experiencing any challenges.

“I searched his phone for clues and found none. He never left a note, and the family is searching for answers because he was not one to commit suicide. Family members last spoke to him on October 6 during video calls, and there did not seem to be any problems,” he said.

He added that Mabitsela, who was from Gauteng, had 12 years of loyal service with the SAPS and had been deployed to the Nakop border post.

“His services were withdrawn from the border post, and we are also not certain as to why. He was not given any notice and was told to immediately leave the barracks, where he had to arrange his own transport. I am not certain if the prospect of being unfairly treated by his employer or not being employed could have led him to take his own life.”

Popcru provincial secretary Mbabali Mkhontoana expressed deep shock and sadness at the tragic passing of one of their members, who apparently took his own life while on detached duties at the Nakop border post in the early hours of October 8.

“According to preliminary reports, the deceased member, a 39-year-old constable, was found in his room at the single quarters with a fatal gunshot wound shortly after he had been withdrawn from his duties. The withdrawal reportedly followed allegations that some members had been found with women in the barracks.”

Mkhontoan indicated that while they did not condone any form of misconduct within the ranks of the SAPS, they were disturbed by how the situation was handled.

“The member was neither charged nor taken through a disciplinary process. There appears to be a lack of support extended to the affected members. Disciplinary and administrative processes must always be guided by fairness, professionalism, and the preservation of human dignity — not humiliation or intimidation.”

He added that the heartbreaking incident underscored the urgent need for the SAPS to strengthen psychological and emotional support systems, particularly for members operating under high stress in remote and high-pressure environments such as border posts.

“It also raises serious concerns about management conduct, workplace culture, and accountability in the manner in which such sensitive matters are handled.”

Mkhontoana urged a thorough and transparent investigation not only into the death but also into the circumstances leading up to it, including the decisions taken by the commanding officers involved.

“No life should ever be lost due to preventable workplace trauma or poor managerial intervention. We further call upon the SAPS Employee Health and Wellness (EHW) section to intensify its visibility and accessibility to members across all clusters, ensuring that no officer suffers in silence.

“As a union, we extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of our fallen member. We stand ready to provide full support to the family and will continue to engage SAPS leadership to ensure that justice, accountability, and compassion prevail.”

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) directed media enquiries to SAPS.

SAPS Northern Cape spokesperson Brigadier Mashay Gamieldien indicated that the police in Upington had opened an inquest case following a fatal shooting incident at the Nakop border post during the early hours of Wednesday morning.

“According to preliminary reports, a 39-year-old male constable on detached duties was found with a fatal gunshot wound in a room at the police single quarters at the Nakop Port of Entry. The circumstances surrounding the incident form part of the police investigation,” Gamieldien stated.

The provincial commissioner of the Northern Cape, Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, expressed her sadness over the tragic event and extended her heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased SAPS member and his colleagues.

She encouraged members to access the services offered by the SAPS Employee Health and Wellness section when faced with challenges.