North West policewoman dies after being struck by SUV, suspect charged

The North West province is reeling from the tragic death of Warrant Officer Ennice Nortman, 53, who was killed on Monday, 19 October 2026, when she was struck by a vehicle while on duty, Cape {town} Etc reports.

The incident occurred at Lichtenburg Mall, located on Dr Nelson Mandela Drive, where she was allegedly run over by a BMW SUV driven by 23-year-old Akilesh Gupta.

Nortman sustained severe injuries and was quickly transported to hospital by emergency medical services. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, she tragically succumbed to her injuries later that evening, prompting an outpouring of grief from her colleagues and the community at large.

Gupta was soon arrested following preliminary investigations and has been charged with murder and an alleged contravention of the Immigration Act.

He appeared in the Lichtenburg Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 21 October, where he was remanded in custody until his next court appearance set for Tuesday, 27 October 2026.

In a related incident, the SAPS community is mourning the loss of Constable Itumeleng Johannes Pule, aged 40, who died in a separate collision on Sunday, 18 October 2026. While off duty, Pule was driving when his vehicle collided with a Nissan NP200 on the R378 road, approximately 20 kilometres before Ganyesa.

He was pronounced dead at the scene, while his wife, who was a passenger, sustained minor injuries and received treatment at a local hospital.

A case of culpable homicide has been opened at the Ganyesa Police Station, and investigations are ongoing.

Nortman and Pule were both valued members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), and their untimely deaths have deeply affected their colleagues and families.

North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Peter Adams, expressed profound sorrow over the loss of these officers, extending condolences to their families and those injured in the crashes.

‘We are shocked and saddened by the loss of such dedicated officers,’ said Adams. ‘Their commitment to serving the community will not be forgotten,’

The police portfolio committee chairperson, Ian Cameron condemned the dangerous driving exhibited in the tragic incident involving Nortman.

He highlighted the horror of watching the video footage of the incident, emphasising the need for justice. ‘Deliberately driving over another human being is evil,’ Cameron stated. ‘The driver must face the full consequences of whatever the investigation establishes this is not just an accident,’

He urged the public to refrain from sharing the disturbing video, stressing the impact it has on the families of the victims.

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Picture: Ian Cameron / Facebook

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