Tragic death of child in Limpopo linked to police constable’s alleged drunk driving

An eight-year-old child was killed as a result of an alleged drunk driving incident, leading to a Limpopo police constable facing charges of culpable homicide. The constable is scheduled to appear in court on Monday.

Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the constable, aged 36, stationed at Motetema police station in the Sekhukhune District, was arrested for culpable homicide and drunken driving. 

This follows an incident in Mogaung village in Hlogotlou policing area on Friday, August 8, 2025, at approximately 7.15pm.

Ledwaba said it is reported that the constable was driving a state vehicle when he allegedly knocked down an eight-year-old child along the road at Mogaung village, heading in the direction of Motetema. Emergency medical services personnel were called to the scene, but the child succumbed to his injuries. 

“The preliminary investigations suggest that the constable (suspect) was suspected of driving while under the influence of a substance during the incident,” Ledwaba said. 

He said the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) was alerted to investigate further. 

“The suspect will appear before Nebo Magistrate’s Court on Monday, August 11, 2025, on charges of culpable homicide and suspected of driving while under the influence of a substance (alcohol),” Ledwaba said. 

He said investigations by the police are ongoing.

Reacting to the incident, Limpopo police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, welcomed the arrest. 

“The police are expected to conduct themselves in terms of the SAPS Code of Ethics as well as Code of Conduct at all material times,” Hadebe said. 

IPID spokesperson Lizzy Suping said the matter was reported to the directorate on Saturday. 

“Our preliminary investigations have resumed,” Suping said. 

thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za