A 36-year-old policeman from Wallacedene was killed after he apparently slipped and got run over by a train.
It is believed Constable George Ham had been running to catch the train at the Bellville station when he fell under it and was crushed.
Rumours had circulated later that Constable Ham might have been pushed, but on Thursday police called his death a “freak accident”.
Constable Ham was a father of one and lived in Wallacedene.
He was stationed at Cape Town Central Police Station. He was also a member of the SAPS drill platoon.
Captain FC Van Wyk said: “An inquest docket has been opened and it is under investigation.”
Metrorail spokesperson Riana Scott said emergency workers had declared Constable Ham dead at the scene.
The incident had happened at 7am and platform changes and delays of 30 to 40 minutes had been experienced during the police’s on-site investigation, said Ms Scott. “The line was reopened at 9.14am.”
Captain Ezra October, Cape Town Central Police station spokesman, described his colleague as the perfect gentleman.
“He was on his way to work and sent his commander a message to say he is going to be late,” he said. “That was the type of guy he was.
“Commuters on the train said he was someone who would give up his seat for the next person and that he was a gentleman.
“He will be missed and even the commuters on the train said they will miss him because he used to greet everyone.”
