NORTH WEST. – Akilesh Gupta (23) remains in custody after the charge of culpable homicide against him was changed to murder. This follows the death of Constable Eunice Nortman, who was hit by a vehicle on 19 October. Gupta allegedly drove the vehicle. He appeared on Tuesday in the Lichtenburg Magistrate's Court in the North West, when the case was postponed for the appointment of a Hindi interpreter.
Lindiwe Mabasa, NPA spokesperson, says Gupta faces charges of murder, contravention of the Immigration Act, driving without a valid driver's licence and malicious damage to property. According to the NPA, there is footage in which Gupta allegedly hit a police officer who was on duty with a vehicle. The officer was injured and later died.
Gupta, an Indian national, is accused of not having valid documentation to remain in South Africa. He allegedly entered the country in 2024 on a visitor's visa, but that visa has since expired.
The case was postponed to six November to allow for the appointment of a Hindi interpreter and for a possible bail application to be heard. Gupta remains in custody. Dr Rachel Makhari, director of public prosecutions in the North West, said the NPA will continue working with its partners in the criminal justice system to ensure that justice takes its course.
This article is an automatic English translation of a Nuusflits article originally published in Afrikaans. Read the Afrikaans original.
