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Off-Duty Cape Town Officer Killed While Assisting at Crash Scene

Authorities have detained a 37-year-old suspect on culpable homicide allegations pending further investigation.

Overview

  • Police say a speeding Toyota Fortuner rear-ended a stationary SAPS vehicle with its blue lights on, causing the police vehicle to overturn.
  • The 20-year-old LEAP officer, identified as Lyle Thomas, had stopped to help and was fatally injured while standing with SAPS members.
  • After the impact, the Fortuner rammed into a nearby tree and came to a complete stop.
  • Officers arrested the 37-year-old driver at the scene, took a blood sample for alcohol testing, and kept him in custody as a culpable homicide case is prepared.
  • City law enforcement conveyed condolences to Thomas’s family and colleagues and pledged to support efforts to hold the suspect accountable.