A member of the Presidential Protection Services has died by suicide at an Umhlanga hotel after being implicated in a fatal hit-and-run incident.
Story Summary:
- The officer was linked to a hit-and-run accident that killed a 26-year-old woman in Phoenix, KwaZulu-Natal.
- He allegedly called a colleague to confess before taking his own life.
- The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is now probing the case.
IPID probing Presidential protection unit officer’s alleged suicide
The incident follows his alleged involvement in a hit-and-run accident that resulted in the death of a 26-year-old woman on the Phoenix highway in the early hours of Saturday, 17 August 2024.
According to a statement from police, the officer, a sergeant, was driving a state vehicle when the accident occurred.
KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda revealed that the officer did not stop at the scene of the accident.
However, it was reported that someone returned to the scene later to retrieve a front registration plate that had fallen from the vehicle during the incident.
Following the accident, the sergeant attempted to cover up the crime by reporting the state vehicle as stolen. The vehicle was later found abandoned in a sugarcane field.
On Monday, police received reports that the officer had taken his own life.
He allegedly confessed to a colleague before committing suicide.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is now investigating both the hit-and-run and the apparent suicide.
Colonel Netshiunda stated:
“Circumstances surrounding the apparent suicide incident form part of police investigations.”
The IPID will likely conduct an in-depth investigation into the incident, focusing on the events leading up to both the hit-and-run and the suicide, as well as any possible misconduct or failures within the police department.
In South Africa, there are many resourceful organisations that are ready to assist you and your loved one in dealing with suicidal triggers. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is the country’s largest mental health advocacy group, and their 24-hour hotline is free to use if you or a loved one needs help. You can reach them on 0800 456 789 (24 hours a day), SMS 31393, or visit their website for more info and help.