Tragic death of young officer in suspected drunk driving incident

AN OFF-DUTY LEAP officer has tragically lost his life after stopping to help at an accident scene, only to be run over himself. 

Officer Lyle Thomas, 20, was struck by a vehicle on Jakes Gerwel Drive near Samora Machel at about 4.20am on Sunday morning by a motorist who was allegedly under the influence.

According to police, Thomas spotted cops attending to an accident. He got out his VW Polo to assist. But as he was helping, grey Toyota Fortuner slammed into the stationary police van, killing him.   

Police spokesman Captain FC van Wyk confirmed: “According to reports, SAPS members were initially attending a culpable homicide at the mentioned address, that was seen as a "hit and run".

“The police vehicle was parked on the side of the road with flashing blue lights when an off-duty law enforcement officer stopped on the left side of the road with his VW Polo to assist the police members with the accident. 

“A silver grey Toyota Fortuner came at a very high speed and drove into the back of the police vehicle which then overturned.

“The law enforcement officer was standing with the SAPS members when the impact happened. 

“The SAPS members managed to evade the approaching vehicle, but unfortunately the law enforcement officer was fatally injured whereafter the Toyota Fortuner rammed into a nearby tree and came to a complete stop.”

The 37-year-old male driver of the Toyota Fortuner was arrested and taken to the shadow centre for a blood alcohol test and afterwards detained at Nyanga police station.

He will appear in court once facing charges of culpable homicide while the first incident is still under investigation as the identity of both the deceased and the driver is unknown as they sped off from the scene.

Ward councillor Angus McKenzie said: “It is with an indescribably heavy heart that we mourn the tragic passing of Lyle Thomas, a devoted Bonteheuwel resident, a committed member of the Bonteheuwel Neighbourhood Watch, and a proud Law Enforcement Application Programme (LEAP) officer. This loss is devastating.”

Law enforcement spokesperson Wayne Dyason said that the City is mourning the loss of the 20-year-old who was run over while assisting at an accident scene.

Dyason says: “We extend our condolences to the officer's loved ones and his colleagues. This is an absolute tragic end to a young life. The officer was just 20 years old. 

“The Safety and Security Directorate will work tirelessly to ensure that justice is served and that the suspect faces the full might of the law.”