JUST IN: Police confirm death of Crime Intelligence Warrant Officer Ennice Nortman after BMW strike

Police have confirmed the death of Warrant Officer Ennice Nortman, a 53-year-old member of the South African Police Service attached to Crime Intelligence in the North West Province. She died after being struck by a BMW SUV at Lichtenburg Mall earlier this week.

The incident happened on Monday afternoon, 19 October 2026. Warrant Officer Nortman was on duty when she was hit while crossing a driveway at the mall along Dr Nelson Mandela Drive in Lichtenburg. Emergency medical services rushed her to hospital, but she passed away later that evening from her injuries.

North West Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Arthur Peter Adams has expressed deep sadness over the loss. He described Nortman as a valued member of the North West Provincial Crime Intelligence unit based in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District. The commissioner also noted that another police officer died in a separate road accident in the province around the same time, adding to the grief felt within the service.

Following the collision, police arrested 23-year-old Akilesh Gupta. He faces a charge of murder. Investigators are also looking into an alleged contravention of the Immigration Act. Gupta appeared in the Lichtenburg Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 21 October. The court remanded him in custody until his next appearance on Tuesday, 27 October 2026.

Police have asked members of the public not to share video footage of the incident on social media. They say circulating such material could interfere with the ongoing investigation.

The case remains under active investigation. Authorities continue to gather evidence to establish the full circumstances surrounding the collision. Colleagues and the provincial leadership have paid tribute to Warrant Officer Nortman for her service. Her death has drawn attention to road safety concerns around busy public areas such as malls, as well as questions about the immigration status of the accused.

Family, friends and fellow officers are mourning the loss of a dedicated police member. The investigation will continue as the matter proceeds through the courts.

Source: https://x.com/ewnreporter/status/2113246401819971628