A 53-year-old South African Police Service Crime Intelligence officer was fatally run over at a shopping centre in Lichtenburg, North West, in an incident captured on CCTV that has sparked widespread outrage.

Warrant Officer Ennice Nortman, attached to the North West Provincial Crime Intelligence unit in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District, was on duty on Monday afternoon, 19 October 2026, when the tragedy unfolded at Lichtenburg Mall on Dr Nelson Mandela Drive.

How the fatal ramming unfolded

According to police and video footage circulating online, Nortman parked her red sedan and approached a raised pedestrian crossing. She is seeen gesturing or warning the driver of a white BMW SUV that she intended to cross. As she stepped into the roadway, the vehicle accelerated sharply, rammed into her, and drove over her body before the driver stopped just short of colliding with another vehicle. Nortman lay unconscious on the ground as shoppers gathered around her. She was rushed to hospital by emergency services but succumbed to her injuries later that evening.

Suspect arrested and charged

A 23-year-old foreign national, identified as Akilesh Gupta, was arrested following preliminary investigations. He has been charged with murder and contravention of the Immigration Act, indicating he was in the country illegally. Gupta appeared in the Lichtenburg Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, 21 October, and was remanded in custody. His next court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday, 27 October.

Police and official response

North West SAPS spokesperson Colonel Adele Myburgh confirmed the details, stating that a murder case is being investigated alongside the immigration-related charges. North West Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Arthur Peter Adams expressed deep sadness at the loss of a dedicated officer, extending condolences to Nortman's family, friends and colleagues.

Strong condemnation from lawmakers

The graphic CCTV footage has drawn strong condemnation. Police portfolio committee chairperson Ian Cameron described the act as “evil” and said Nortman “deserved to get home safely.” He called for the full weight of the law to be applied and for bail to be strongly opposed.

Police have urged the public not to share the video, citing the trauma it causes to the family and the potential to compromise the investigation.

Remembering Warrant Officer Nortman

Nortman had served in the SAPS for many years and was remembered by colleagues as an honest and dedicated officer. Her funeral is expected to take place in Lichtenburg.

The case continues to be investigated.