The death toll from the tragic accident that occurred on Thursday, on the R101 road between Mokopane and Mookgopong in Limpopo’s Waterberg District, has risen to nine.
Two more inmates who had been admitted in hospital following the collision between a police vehicle and a truck have sadly succumbed to their injuries, bringing the total number of fatalities to nine, one police officer and eight inmates.
The remaining injured inmates are still receiving medical treatment.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, once again conveyed condolences to all affected families, whilst wishing the injured inmates a speedy recovery. Hadebe has also reiterated SAPS’s commitment to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident that led to fatalities.
Also sending her message of condolences was MEC of Transport and Community Safety, Susana Mathye, saying: “We are saddened at this tragic accident that claimed so many lives. Our heartfelt condolences go to the families of the deceased, and our thoughts also go to the injured, and we wish them a speedy recovery.”
Mathye said the circumstances surrounding the accident are still under investigation, and they urge all parties involved to exercise caution and patience as the investigation unfolds.
“As the Department of Transport and Community Safety, we will continue to work closely with other law enforcement agencies to ensure that our roads are safe for all users.”
“We 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.”
