Akilesh Gupta Back in Court Over Fatal Lichtenburg Mall Crash That Killed Crime Intelligence Officer

Nomfundo Khumalo Published 17 hours ago

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Akilesh Gupta, a 23-year-old Pakistani national accused of killing South African Police Service (SAPS) Warrant Officer Eunice Nortman in a collision at Lichtenburg Mall in North West, has had his case postponed to 6 November 2026.

Gupta appeared before the Lichtenburg Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 27 October, where the matter was postponed to allow the State additional time to secure a qualified Hindi-speaking interpreter for the accused.

Gupta is expected to bring a formal bail application when he returns to court. He remains in custody pending his next appearance.

The case follows the death of Nortman, a 53-year-old police officer attached to the North West Provincial Crime Intelligence unit in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District. She died after being struck by a vehicle at Lichtenburg Mall on Monday, 19 October 2026.

Officer Killed at Lichtenburg Mall

The incident occurred at Lichtenburg Mall on Dr Nelson Mandela Drive in Lichtenburg while Nortman was on duty.

According to police information released following the incident, Nortman was crossing the mall’s driveway when she was allegedly struck by a BMW sports utility vehicle.

Emergency medical services transported her to hospital for treatment. However, she succumbed to her injuries later that evening.

Her death prompted a police investigation, with authorities treating the matter as a murder case. Police also confirmed that further charges relating to an alleged contravention of immigration legislation were being pursued.

Suspect Arrested Following Investigation

Gupta was arrested following preliminary investigations into the circumstances surrounding Nortman’s death.

He first appeared before the Lichtenburg Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 21 October, and was remanded in custody until his subsequent appearance.

The investigation centres on the circumstances surrounding the collision and the events that led to the officer sustaining fatal injuries.

The murder charge remains an allegation that must be dealt with through the criminal justice process. Gupta is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Court Proceedings Postponed to November

During Gupta’s latest court appearance on 27 October, the matter was postponed to 6 November to give the State time to arrange a qualified Hindi-speaking interpreter.

The interpreter is required to assist with the court proceedings and ensure that the accused can understand the matter before the court.

Gupta is expected to formally apply for bail at his next appearance. The outcome of any bail application will depend on the proceedings before the court.

The case has not yet reached a final determination, and the investigation into Nortman’s death remains ongoing.

Police Urge Public Not to Circulate CCTV Footage

CCTV footage of the incident has circulated on social media, drawing public attention to the circumstances surrounding Nortman’s death.

Police have appealed to members of the public not to share footage of the incident online, warning that the circulation of such material could compromise the ongoing investigation.

Authorities have emphasised the importance of allowing investigators to establish the facts and ensuring that the case proceeds through the appropriate legal channels.

The next court appearance is scheduled for 6 November 2026, when the proceedings are expected to continue and Gupta is expected to pursue his formal bail application.