Athlone hit-and-run: Off-duty police officer charged in young man's death
21-year-old Imtiyaaz Firfirey's life was cut short following a hit-and-run
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A 25-year-old off-duty Metro police officer has been charged in connection with a hit-and-run that claimed the life of 21-year-old Imtiyaaz Firfirey on Jan Smuts Drive
Naeema Daniels, 25, appeared in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday alongside her mother, Nadia Daniels, 54, in connection with the April 18 incident.
Daniels faces multiple charges, including failure to stop after an accident, failure to report the incident, failure to ascertain injuries and damages, and failure to render assistance. Her mother, who was a passenger in the vehicle, faces a charge of defeating or obstructing the administration of justice.
Daniels was granted bail of R4 000, while her mother was released on warning. The matter was postponed to 24 July.
The case relates to 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 heading to a mosque. He never returned.
A family friend said concerns were raised when Firfirey did not arrive at his destination. The family later learnt of a fatal accident on Jan Smuts Drive and identified him at a mortuary after being contacted.
Firfirey had been studying physical science and was assisting with family businesses while considering his future.
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed that a culpable homicide case has been opened at Athlone SAPS. He said the driver, an off-duty Metro police officer, allegedly left the scene without reporting the incident. The vehicle believed to be involved has been recovered for forensic processing.
Metro Police spokesperson Ruth Solomons said the City had confirmed the officer’s arrest and would cooperate with the South African Police Service in the investigation. She added that the officer would be served with a suspension notice, stressing the City’s zero tolerance for misconduct.