She Was Just Buying Chips — Police Van Lost Control And Took Her Life

An 11-year-old girl, Namhla Nondala, tragically lost her life when a police van crashed into a shack in Delft, Cape Town.According to eyewitnesses, Namhla was standing outside with two of her friends, both aged 10, buying chips from a nearby vendor when a speeding police vehicle lost control and veered off the road.

The van ploughed through a makeshift structure, fatally striking Namhla and leaving her two friends seriously injured.Community members rushed to the scene and assisted emergency services in rescuing the injured children from the debris. The two survivors were transported to Tygerberg Hospital, where they remain under observation.

Police have confirmed that the driver of the van, who was responding to a reported crime incident, lost control of the vehicle in what is now being investigated as a case of culpable homicide.Residents in the area have expressed outrage, calling for accountability and demanding that SAPS officers exercise greater caution when driving in densely populated neighbourhoods. “These kids were innocent — just playing and buying chips. Now one is gone forever,” said a heartbroken community member.

Western Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa confirmed the incident and said the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has been notified and will conduct a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The tragedy has reignited concerns over reckless driving by emergency vehicles in residential areas, with civil groups calling for stricter enforcement of operational safety protocols.

How do you think SAPS should be held accountable in cases like this? Share your thoughts in the comments and follow for more community and justice updates.