Tragic loss: Cape Town law enforcement officer dies in vehicle accident

The City of Cape Town’s enforcement agencies are mourning the death of one of their own, who tragically lost his life in an accident on Sunday. 

The officer, was attached to the Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) unit and was stationed in Philippi East. 

The accident took place in Mitchells Plain. 

Tributes have poured in across social media platforms for Shaqeel Abrahams, 24, from Athlone. 

The mayoral committee member for safety and security, Alderman JP Smith, confirmed the incident took place on Sunday morning, August 17. 

Smith said the officers had just returned from an operation in Atlantis, a town along the West Coast just outside Cape Town. 

“The 24-year-old officer, along with his partner, suffered extensive injuries in the incident and later passed away in hospital. The officers who are stationed at Philippi East had been travelling from an anti-gang operation in Atlantis and were dropping off colleagues in Mitchell’s Plain. 

“It is understood that while travelling along Weltevreden Road towards Westgate Mall, the driver lost control of the vehicle. Both officers were transported to the hospital, where one officer unfortunately succumbed to his injuries. No other persons were injured,” Smith said. 

Smith, who offered his condolences to the grieving family, said the Safety and Security Directorate was extremely saddened by the tragic death of the dedicated officer. 

“We wish the second officer a speedy recovery and have vowed our support to the families. I will be visiting the affected families this week,” Smith said.  

The slain officer will be buried according to Muslim rites. 

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IOL