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Lichtenburg court postpones bail bid of man accused of killing officer

Published

Akilesh Gupta, 23, appeared in the Lichtenburg court on Tuesday over the death of police Warrant Officer Eunice Nortman. The case was postponed so a Hindi interpreter can be found, and Gupta stays in custody.

Gupta faces charges of murder, contravening the Immigration Act, driving without a valid licence and malicious damage to property. Police allege he drove over Nortman, 53, who was on duty and worked in the North West provincial crime intelligence division. She later died of her injuries.

Police said a BMW SUV struck her while she crossed the driveway at Lichtenburg Mall. The alleged incident happened on 19 October. Police said emergency medical services took her to hospital.

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Lindiwe Mabasa said Gupta has no valid papers to stay in South Africa. She said he allegedly entered the country on a visitor's visa in 2024, which has expired.

The case returns to court on 6 November, when Gupta is expected to apply for bail. Friends of Nortman oppose bail. Her friend Anton van Eeden described her as "A very loving, caring person. Always willing to assist anybody".

Key facts

Who
Akilesh Gupta (23-year-old accused of murder, appeared in Lichtenburg Magistrates Court); Eunice Nortman (53-year-old crime intelligence warrant officer, killed while crossing the road…); Anton van Eeden (friend of Warrant Officer Eunice Nortman); Ennice Nortman (W/O, police officer (53) attached to North West provincial crime intelligence…)
What
Akilesh Gupta, accused of driving over and killing a police officer in the North West, appeared in the Lichtenburg Magistrates Court on Tuesday; the matter was postponed to next Friday and he will remain in custody. He is also charged with contravention of the Immigration Act and driving without a valid licence, and friends of the officer oppose bail.
When
27 October 2026
Where
Lichtenburg, North West, Lichtenburg Mall
Status
Reported

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