North West police officer killed in crash while responding to complaint

Central SA

─── KEKELETSO MOSEBETSI 11:20 Tue, 27 Oct 2026

North West police are mourning the death of an officer who died when a police vehicle overturned. Photo: Facebook

North West police are mourning the death of an officer who died when a police vehicle overturned while members were travelling to attend to a complaint.

Two on-duty police members attached to Biesiesvlei police station were involved in the accident on Sunday afternoon (25/10), said North West police spokesperson Col. Adéle Myburgh. They were travelling in a police vehicle on a dirt road when the driver allegedly lost control, causing the vehicle to overturn.

“One of the members, Sgt Monnapule Richard Modise, was declared deceased at the scene. The second member, a constable, 35, sustained minor injuries and was transported to the hospital where he was treated and discharged.”

North West provincial commissioner Lt. Gen. Arthur Adams has conveyed his condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Modise. He also wished the injured officer a speedy recovery and assured the affected families and colleagues of the police service’s support during this painful period.

"Sergeant Modise served the South African Police Service with dedication and commitment for about 17 years. His untimely passing is a painful loss to the organisation, his colleagues and the community he served. May they find strength and comfort in the knowledge that his years of service and contribution to the safety of our communities will not be forgotten.”

A case of culpable homicide had been opened as police investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident, said Myburgh.

Meanwhile, a Free State law enforcement officer was left in a critical condition following an incident on Sunday evening. A tree reportedly fell onto a municipal vehicle on the R719 near Wesselsbron.