A Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officer has died after he was run over while assisting at an accident scene on Jakes Gerwel Drive, on Sunday morning.
In a statement, the City of Cape Town’s Law enforcement said
the off-duty officer stopped to assist at an accident scene and it was during
this time that he was struck by a vehicle by an alleged drunk driver
‘’ We extend our condolences to the offcer's loved
ones and his colleagues. This is an absolute tragic end to a young life. The officer
was just 20 years old. The Safety and Security Directorate will work tirelessly
to ensure that justice is served and that the suspect faces the full might of
the law,’’ said Wayne Dyason, City of Cape Town Law Enforcement spokesperson.
SUPPLIED: Officer Lyle ThomasWestern Cape police confirmed the incident saying that
culpable homicide cases are being probed. According to police, the deceased
officer was 28-years-old.
‘’ Samora Machel police registered two counts of
culpable homicide following two separate accidents that occurred this morning
(Sunday, 2025-12-14) at 04:20 on Jakes Gerwel Drive, Samora Machel, where an
unidentified person and a 28 year old male was fatally injured,’’ said Captain
F.C Van Wyk, Western Cape police spokesperson.
‘’According to reports, SAPS members were initially
attending a culpable homicide at the mentioned address, that was seen as a
"hit and run". The police vehicle was parked on the side of the road with flashing blue lights
when an off duty law enforcement officer stopped on the left side of the road
with his VW Polo to assist the police members with the accident. A silver grey
Toyota Fortuner came at a very high speed and drove into the back of the police
vehicle which then overturned,’’
‘’The law enforcement officer was standing with the SAPS
members when the impact happened. The SAPS members managed to evade the
approaching vehicle, but unfortunately the law enforcement officer was fatally
injured where after the Toyota Fortuner rammed into a nearby tree and came to a
complete stop.
‘’The 28 year old law enforcement officer was declared deceased on the scene due to the injuries sustained. The 37 year old driver of the Toyota Fortuner was arrested and taken to the shadow centre for a blood alcohol test, and afterwards detained at Nyanga police station on a charge of culpable homicide. He will appear in court once charged,’’ added van Wyk.
SAPS said the case for the first culpable homicide is still
under investigation as the identity of both the deceased and the driver whom
sped off, is still unknown.
Fight Against Crime South Africa (FACSA) identified the
deceased as Lyle Thomas
‘’This tragedy underscores the extreme risks faced daily by
law enforcement officers who place themselves in harm’s way to serve and
protect our communities. Officer Thomas died doing exactly what was asked of
him, and his sacrifice must not be diminished or forgotten. FACSA strongly
condemns reckless and negligent driving, which continues to claim innocent
lives, including those tasked with keeping our roads and communities safe. No
officer should lose their life due to another person’s disregard for the law,’’
it said on its Facebook page.
Ward Councillor and Sub Council Chairperson Angus McKenzie,
described Thomas as ‘a devoted Bonteheuwel resident, a committed member of the
Bonteheuwel Neighbourhood Watch, and a proud Law Enforcement Application
Programme (LEAP) officer.’
‘’Lyle’s life was one defined by service. He lived not for
himself, but for the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of others. Even while off
duty, his instinct was to help, to protect, and to serve. It is in this same
spirit of selflessness that he stopped at the scene of a serious motor vehicle
accident and in a cruel and heartbreaking turn of events, lost his own life
while doing so. This loss is devastating. Lyle was young, driven, and deeply
committed to his community. His unwavering dedication to Bonteheuwel, his
tireless work within the Neighbourhood Watch, and his passion for law
enforcement saw him grow into a role where he could serve on an even greater
scale as part of the LEAP team. His journey was one of purpose, sacrifice, and
courage,’’ said McKenzie.
‘’Lyle’s path was shaped and strengthened by those who
believed in him, particularly the late Bonteheuwel Neighbourhood Watch
Chairperson, Sandra Malan, whose mentorship and encouragement played a vital
role in motivating him to pursue and achieve his goals. Together, they embodied
the very heart of community service,’’ he added.
McKenzie said he reached out to Thomas’ mom, Rene, to
convey his deepest condolences
‘’No words can ease their loss, but they must know that
Lyle was loved, respected, and honoured by the entire Bonteheuwel community. We
will never forget Lyle Thomas. We will remember his dedication, his discipline,
his humility, and above all, his love for his community. His sacrifice will not
be forgotten, and his legacy will live on in every life he touched and every
street he helped keep safe,’’ said Angus McKenzie, Ward 50 Councillor
and Sub Council 15 Chairperson
Done by: Mitchum George
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