Metro cop gets R4 000 bail after bail after hit-and-run tragedy
Imtiyaaz Firfirey died in a car crash.
Image: Supplied
A young man remembered as positive and full of potential lost his life after he was allegedly knocked down and killed by an off-duty metro police officer in Jan Smuts Drive on April 18.
Naeema Daniels, 25, appeared in the Athlone Magistrates Court on Tuesday alongside her mother, Nadia Daniels, 54, in connection with the incident.
Driver Naeema faces charges of failure to report an accident, failure to ascertain the nature and extent of any damages sustained, failure to render assistance, failure to ascertain the nature of the injury, and failure to immediately stop.
Her mother, who was a passenger at the time, faces charges of defeating or obstructing the administration of justice.
Naeema was granted bail of R4 000, while her mother was released on a warning.
The case centres around the death of 21-year-old Imtiyaaz Firfirey, who was reported missing on 18 April after leaving his Athlone home to visit a friend and later headed to the mosque, a journey from which he never returned.
A family-friend said: “We contacted the friend [he went to visit], but he said Imtiyaaz didn’t arrive.
“So we heard that there was an accident on Jan Smuts Drive and that it might be him, because the clothing that he was wearing when he left home versus the clothing that this person that was knocked over and passed away matched.
“One of the family members then went to the mortuary as they received a call to say that it was him, and when they got there, they burst into tears.”
Firfirey’s death has left a deep void in his family, where he was known not only as a helping hand in their businesses, but also as a young man trying to find his path in life.
He had been studying physical science, but had taken a break to figure out his next steps, all while continuing to support his loved ones.
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed that a culpable homicide case was opened for investigation, saying: “This office can confirm that a case docket of culpable homicide was registered at Athlone SAPS for investigation.
“The incident happened on Jan Smuts Drive on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
“The driver is not an off-duty police officer; it is an off-duty Metro police member.
“The driver did leave the scene and did not report the incident at any police station.
“The suspected vehicle has been recovered and will be processed by FSL.”
Family and friends made posters for the court appearance .
Image: Supplied
Metro Police spokesperson Ruth Solomons added: “The City has received confirmation of the arrest of a Metro Police officer in connection with a hit and run incident that occurred earlier this month.
“The officer was off duty at the time. The SAPS would be best placed to speak to the facts in the matter, although the City will cooperate closely with SAPS where needed, to finalise the matter.
“The City has zero tolerance for conduct unbecoming - the officer will be served with a suspension notice following her court appearance.”
The case was postponed to 24 July.