A LIFE OF COURAGE CUT SHORT
Community mourns constable Gift Mota

Platinum Weekly newspaper | Rustenburg – The Phokeng community is grieving the heartbreaking loss of one of its own – a young officer whose dedication to protecting others ultimately cost him his life.

Constable Gift Mota (25) tragically drowned while on duty on Wednesday, 4 February 2026, during a pursuit of a suspect in the Phokeng policing area. His death has left colleagues, family and residents in deep sorrow.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the North West, constable Mota, who was attached to the Visible Policing Crime Prevention Unit at Phokeng Police Station, was conducting patrol duties with fellow members when they were approached by a community member. The resident alleged that a suspect linked to robbery and burglary cases had been spotted nearby.

The officers proceeded to the Masosobane and Raffredy sections — a bushy area with a dam. Upon spotting the suspect, they gave chase. In an attempt to evade arrest, the suspect ran into the dam. Without hesitation, constable Mota entered the water in pursuit. While swimming behind the suspect, he disappeared beneath the surface.

The SAPS diving unit was immediately activated and, in a devastating turn of events, later recovered his body from the dam. An inquest docket has been opened to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Constable Mota, originally from Ermelo in Mpumalanga, had been transferred to Phokeng in November 2025. Though his time at the station was brief, his impact was lasting. Described as committed, disciplined and courageous, he embodied the spirit of service that defines so many young officers who wear the badge with pride.

Acting provincial commissioner of police in the North West, major general (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, expressed profound sorrow over the loss. “We have lost a dedicated police officer, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty while serving and protecting the community. Constable Mota’s bravery and commitment will not be forgotten. The police stand with his family during this painful time and will ensure that they receive the necessary support,” said major general Naidoo.

A memorial service honouring constable Mota was held on Wednesday 11 February 2026 at the Pentecostal Holiness Church in Phokeng. Colleagues stood in solemn tribute, uniforms pressed, heads bowed — a powerful reminder of the brotherhood and sisterhood within the service.

His funeral service is set to take place on 14 February 2026 at 07:00 at H/N 39 Vincent Street, Mpumalanga, where family and loved ones will bid him a final farewell.

As a community newspaper, we extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the Mota family, his friends, and his colleagues at Phokeng Police Station. 

Constable Gift Mota’s story is one of bravery, duty and sacrifice. May his courage never be forgotten, and may his family find comfort in knowing that he died protecting the very community he was sworn to serve.

Main photo: Constable Gift Mota (25), a dedicated Phokeng police officer who made the ultimate sacrifice while pursuing a suspect on 4 February 2026.