Six killed in police van and bakkie collision

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Six people were killed when a SAPS vehicle transporting three awaiting-trial prisoners to a correctional facility in Thohoyandou collided head-on with a bakkie belonging to Tshisimani Water.

Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the accident occurred on Tuesday morning on the R524 Levubu Road in the Vhembe District.

He said emergency medical services attended the scene and certified five people dead, while the third SAPS member, who had sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment, later succumbed to his injuries.

Mashaba said the deceased are three SAPS members — a male and two female officers — two awaiting-trial prisoners and the male driver of the Mahindra bakkie.

“One awaiting-trial prisoner sustained serious injuries and was transported to hospital under police guard.

“A case of culpable homicide has been opened at Makhado Police Station. The circumstances surrounding the collision are being investigated,” Mashaba said.

He said while the identities of the deceased are known, they will not be released at this stage, pending notification of their next of kin.

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers, expressed his condolences to all the bereaved families 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 Lieutenant General Scheepers.

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