Makhado police are at present investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of one of their highly decorated police officers.

The body of the 52-year-old Capt Erika Bezuidenhout was found at her flat in Makhado (Louis Trichardt) early on Tuesday morning, about a week after she had gone on sick leave and five days after her birthday on 16 August. At the time of her death, she was living alone.

As she was very well-known in the Soutpansberg area, her death came as a shock to many. Rumours soon surfaced that she had committed suicide. The local police, however, were quick to say that residents should not jump to any conclusions. “We do not want to pre-empt our investigation by saying that it was suicide. We can, however, say that we do not suspect any foul play at this stage,” said police spokesperson Capt Maano Sadiki.

Capt Bezuidenhout’s career in the police service stretched over a period of 33 years, with most of this time served within the Soutpansberg area. She held several senior positions, including that of head of the local Child Protection Unit and as former district commander in Tzaneen. She also served in Polokwane and the Lephalale area. She was a decorated police officer, having received the police’s medal for 10 years' faithful service, the 75-years commemorative police medal, the 10-year commemorative medal (1995 to 2005) and both her 20- and 30-years loyal service medals.

“She was a commissioned officer who did her job diligently. She was always a down-to-earth kind of person. It is always regrettable to lose a member, especially someone who led from the front,” said Sadiki.

At the time of our going to press, funeral arrangements for Capt Bezuidenhout had yet to be finalized. She is survived by two daughters, Marlene and Mario-Lese.