'Ultimate sacrifice': Police constable drowns while swimming after alleged robber who fled into dam
Constable Gift Mota drowned while pursuing an alleged robber who jumped into this dam in North West province.
Image: SAPS
A 25-year-old police officer drowned while on duty during a suspect chase in the Phokeng policing area in the North West, police said on Friday.
Constable Gift Mota, attached to the Visible Policing Crime Prevention Unit in Phokeng, was patrolling with colleagues when they were alerted by a community member who claimed to have spotted a suspect linked to robbery and burglary cases.
According to police spokesperson Colonel Adéle Myburgh, officers accompanied the community member to the Masosobane and Raffredy sections, a bushy area near a dam, where the suspect was seen.
“When police moved in, the suspect fled and ran into the dam. During the pursuit, Constable Mota entered the water and disappeared from sight while swimming behind the suspect,” Myburgh said.
The SAPS diving unit was activated and later recovered Mota’s body from the dam.
An inquest docket has been opened to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Mota had been transferred to the Phokeng policing area in November 2025 and was originally from Ermelo in Mpumalanga.
Constable Gift Mota drowned while pursuing an alleged robber who jumped into a dam in North West province.
Image: SAPS
The acting provincial commissioner of police in the North West, Major General Ryno Naidoo, conveyed his condolences to the officer’s family, friends and colleagues.
"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 Naidoo.
He further calls on communities to continue working closely with the police in the fight against crime, while also acknowledging the dangers that police officers face daily in the execution of their duties.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
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