Six people, including three police officers and two awaiting-trial prisoners, have been killed in a head-on collision involving a South African Police Service (SAPS) vehicle and a civilian vehicle in Limpopo.
The crash happened on Tuesday morning along the R524 Levubu Road in the Vhembe District.
Limpopo SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the SAPS vehicle from Tshilwavhusiku Police Station was transporting three awaiting-trial prisoners to a correctional facility in Thohoyandou when it collided head-on with a white Mahindra bakkie belonging to Tshisimani Water.
Emergency Medical Services attended the scene and certified five people dead at the scene.
A third SAPS member, who sustained serious injuries in the crash and was taken to a local hospital, later succumbed to their injuries.
The six fatalities comprise three SAPS members — one male and two females — two male awaiting-trial prisoners and the male driver of the civilian vehicle.
Another awaiting-trial prisoner sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital under police guard.
A case of culpable homicide has been opened at Makhado Police Station as police investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Relevant SAPS units and senior management attended the scene.
Police said the identities of the deceased are known but will not be released at this stage pending the necessary procedures and notification of their next of kin.
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Petrus Scheepers expressed his condolences to the bereaved families, colleagues and loved ones.
“We extend our sincere condolences to all the bereaved families, colleagues and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this tragic incident. We also wish the injured a speedy recovery,” said Scheepers.
Further developments will be communicated as the investigation continues.
