Police in Gauteng are investigating a case of culpable homicide following a multiple vehicle collision on the M1 South highway in Johannesburg on Monday afternoon.
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said a case of culpable homicide has been opened for investigation.
Five people including a police officer and four prisoners died during the horrific crash during the afternoon rush hour.
Road rage to blame
Nevhuhulwi said it is alleged that a driver of a Ford Ranger bakkie lost control of the vehicle amid a road rage incident with another driver causing him to collide with a police vehicle transporting prisoners from court.
Inside the police bakkie, she said, were eight male prisoners, two female prisoners, and the driver.
“Three male prisoners, one female prisoner, and the driver [police officer] were declared dead on the scene while other victims including the driver of the Ford Ranger were taken to hospital with injuries,” said Nevhuhulwi.
Xolani Fihla, spokesperson for the Johannesburg Metro Police Department, said the accident occurred at about 4.15pm between Corlett Drive and Athol Oakland near Melrose.
Three vehicles involved in crash
Fihla said three vehicles were involved in the crash including a Nissan NP300 SAPS [SA Police Service] bakkie, a Ford Ranger, and a Mercedes-Benz.
It has been reported that the driver of the [Ford Ranger] bakkie allegedly lost control amid an alleged ‘road rage incident’ with a Mini Cooper [driver] travelling north on the M1,” according to paramedics who were at the scene.
Traffic stretched several kilometres as a result of the crash, and by 10pm emergency crews were still on the scene clearing debris from the highway that had been closed off to traffic.
Police and traffic officials pleaded with road users who normally use the highway to get home from work to find alternative routes to avoid spending hours stuck on the accident scene.
