An off-duty Cape Town Metro Police member has been granted R4 000 bail after a fatal alleged Athlone hit-and-run on Jan Smuts Drive.

Naeema Daniels, 25, appeared in Athlone Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 28 April 2026, alongside her mother, Nadia Daniels, 54. The case relates to the death of 21-year-old Imtiyaaz Firfirey, who was reported missing after leaving his Athlone home on 18 April.

Metro Police member granted R4 000 bail

Daniels faces charges that include failing to report an accident, failing to stop immediately, failing to render assistance, and failing to determine the nature and extent of injuries or damage, according to Cape Argus. Her mother, who was allegedly a passenger at the time, faces a charge of defeating or obstructing the administration of justice.

The court granted Naeema Daniels bail of R4 000. Nadia Daniels was released on a warning.

The Athlone hit-and-run case centres on Firfirey’s death on Jan Smuts Drive on Saturday, 18 April 2026. A family friend told Cape Argus that relatives first grew worried after Firfirey did not arrive at a friend’s home and later heard of a crash involving someone wearing similar clothing.

Firfirey had been studying physical science before taking a break to consider his next steps. He was also helping his family with their businesses, according to the report.

SAPS opens culpable homicide docket

Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed that Athlone SAPS registered a culpable homicide docket. He also said the driver was an off-duty Metro Police member, not an off-duty SAPS officer.

SAPS said the driver allegedly left the scene and did not report the incident at any police station. The suspected vehicle has been recovered and is expected to be processed by the Forensic Science Laboratory.

South African road accident rules require a driver involved in a crash where someone is injured or killed to report the accident within 24 hours, unless they are unable to do so because of injuries. SAPS also says fatal road accidents are criminally investigated, including as culpable homicide cases.

City says officer faces suspension notice

City of Cape Town Metro Police spokesperson Ruth Solomons confirmed the arrest of a Metro Police officer in connection with the incident. She said SAPS was best placed to speak on the facts, but the City would cooperate with investigators.

Solomons added that the City has “zero tolerance for conduct unbecoming” and said the officer would be served with a suspension notice after her court appearance.

The Athlone hit-and-run matter was postponed to 24 July 2026.