Police are investigating two separate culpable homicide cases following a tragic sequence of crashes on the N1 near Bela-Bela in Limpopo that claimed the lives of a woman, her baby and the children’s father over the weekend.

One of the crashes involved the official vehicle transporting Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, who was travelling through the province on Saturday, 9 May 2026.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that the minister was inside the state vehicle when it struck the woman and her children as they attempted to cross the highway.

According to police, the incident unfolded shortly after an earlier fatal accident in which the woman’s husband was allegedly knocked down and killed by a vehicle driven by an off-duty police officer.

SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said preliminary investigations suggest the woman was trying to reach the scene of her husband’s accident when tragedy struck again.

“A preliminary investigation suggests that a woman was attempting to cross the road with her two children, one of whom was strapped to her back. The trio was attempting to get to the other side of the road to attend to an earlier incident in which the woman’s husband was allegedly struck by a vehicle driven by an off-duty police officer and died at the scene,” Mathe said.

Police said the official vehicle carrying Motsoaledi was driven by a member of the Protection Security Services (PSS), the SAPS division responsible for the protection of government leaders and dignitaries.

The woman and her baby sustained fatal injuries after they were struck by the vehicle. The second child survived the collision.

Authorities said the minister, his close protection officer and the driver immediately stopped after the accident and remained at the scene until emergency medical services and police arrived.

“In line with standard protocol, the Minister’s close protector and the driver immediately stopped at the scene together with the Minister and remained there until police and emergency medical services arrived,” Mathe said.

Witness statements were later collected as part of the investigation.

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has since taken over both investigations because the drivers involved in the separate incidents are SAPS members.

Police have opened two culpable homicide dockets relating to the incidents, with investigators expected to examine the exact circumstances surrounding both crashes.

The fatal events have again highlighted the dangers faced by pedestrians on major national roads, especially in situations where people attempt to cross highways following accidents involving family members or loved ones.

SAPS extended condolences to the grieving family.

“The SAPS extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved family during this difficult time,” Mathe said.

No arrests had been announced by Tuesday, while investigations by IPID and SAPS remain ongoing.