Port Elizabeth - Two Eastern Cape police constables were suspended on Thursday for allegedly killing a pedestrian in a hit-and-run accident, police said.
“I want to strongly condemn the conduct of the officials involved in this incident,” provincial commissioner Lt-Gen Celiwe Cynthia Binta said in a statement.
“This is not the type of behaviour that we expected from police officials and we are extremely let down by their poor display of discipline, professionalism and lack of care.”
On Sunday Pumlile Deyi, 23, of Soweto On Sea in Port Elizabeth, was knocked down by a marked police vehicle while walking on the pavement in Stofile Street, New Brighton.
“The police vehicle failed to stop after the collision and sped away,” Binta said.
Deyi sustained head injuries and died on the scene.
Binta said the officers had booked out the car, and failed to report what had happened when their shift ended.
“No report was made to their commander concerning the accident.”
A post mortem of Deyi's body was conducted on Wednesday, and the car examined.
“I have therefore ensured that notices of immediate suspension be served on the two members early this morning,” Binta said.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate could not be immediately reached to confirm whether the officers would face criminal charges.
Sapa