A Pretoria police officer, Warrant Officer Jacob Makana, has been sentenced to seven years for culpable homicide after a 2021 high-speed accident that killed pedestrian Akhona Gxuluwe.

The Soshanguve Magistrate’s Court suspended the sentence for five years, provided he avoids similar offenses, and ordered him to pay R150 000 in compensation to the victim’s mother and take out a policy for her minor child.

According to Independent Police Investigative Directorate spokesperson Lizzy Suping, it is alleged that on March 27, 2021, Makana lost control of his vehicle as he was driving at a high speed and struck Gxuluwe.

“Gxuluwe was walking on the side of the road. Unfortunately, she died from injuries she sustained in the accident.”

Suping said Makana pleaded guilty to culpable homicide, and his seven year sentence was suspended for five years provided he was not found guilty of a similar offense during the period of suspension.

“Additionally, he was ordered to take out a policy for the minor child of the deceased and pay monthly contributions. He must submit proof of this policy to the state by not later than December 20, 2024.”

Suping added that Makana’s licence was also suspended for a period of six months as per the National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996.

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