Limpopo – Six awaiting trialists and a police officer died when a vehicle they were traveling in collided with a heavy duty truck along the R101 road between Mokopane and Mokgophong in Limpopo (today).
The number of casualties rose to seven after one of the injured inmates died on arrival in hospital.
Spokesperson for the SAPS in Limpopo Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the police vehicle was transporting eleven inmates to the Naboomspruit Magistrate’s Court when it collided with a truck, just a few kilometres towards the Mokgophong town.
Mashaba said the crash resulted in the death of a police officer and five male inmates.
“The surviving six inmates sustained injuries and were rushed to local hospitals for medical attention, while the truck driver escaped unharmed,” she said.
Limpopo MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Susana Mathye, said inmates that survived the accident were taken to various health facilities.
“Our thoughts go to the injured, and we wish them a speedy recovery. We are aware that six individuals were injured, with three taken to HF Odendaal Hospital in Modimolle, one airlifted to Polokwane Hospital, and two taken to Voortrekker Hospital in Mokopane,” Mathye said.
To families of the deceased Mathye said: “Our thoughts also go to the injured, and we wish them a speedy recovery. We are aware that six individuals were injured, with three taken to HF Odendaal Hospital in Modimolle, one airlifted to Polokwane Hospital, and two taken to Voortrekker Hospital in Mokopane” she said.
“Police are done with the identification of the deceased and their names are going to be released once their next of kin have been informed. The fallen police officer was attached to the Naboomspruit SAPS.”
“The inmates who were onboard were facing various offences and were detained at the Mokopane Police Station. Social workers have been dispatched to offer psycho-social support to the affected families,” she said.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe conveyed her condolences to the bereaved families.
“This is a devastating loss for the SAPS and the affected families. Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by this tragedy. A thorough investigation will reveal the exact cause of this incident.” Said Hadebe.
“The circumstance surrounding the accident is still under investigation, and we urge all parties involved to exercise caution and patience as the investigation unfolds. My department will continue to work closely with other law enforcement agencies to ensure that our roads are safe for all users.
“We also appeal to drivers to exercise caution and adhere to road safety rules to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may we find strength in the face of this tragedy. The accident scene has been cleared and R101 between Mokopane and Mookgophong is now open for traffic,” MEC Mathye concluded.
