A tragic accident on the R101 between Mokopane and Mookgopong has claimed the lives of a South African Police Service (SAPS) officer and six inmates after a police transport vehicle was involved in a crash on Friday morning.
According to Limpopo SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo, the vehicle was ferrying inmates from Mokopane to Mookgopong Correctional Facility when it was involved in a collision under circumstances still under investigation.
Five inmates died instantly at the scene, while several others, including the police officer driving the van, sustained critical injuries.
Emergency medical services rushed the injured to a nearby hospital.
Later in the afternoon, authorities confirmed that a sixth inmate succumbed to injuries while receiving treatment, bringing the total number of fatalities to seven.
“This is a deeply tragic incident for the SAPS, the Department of Correctional Services, and the families affected.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of the officer and inmates who lost their lives,” said Brigadier Mojapelo.
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has also expressed shock and sorrow over the accident, pledging full cooperation with SAPS investigators to determine the cause.
“We have activated our internal processes to support the bereaved families and provide counselling to survivors of the crash,” said DCS spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo.
Eyewitnesses at the scene described the wreckage as “horrific,” with the police transport van badly mangled and debris scattered across the road.
Traffic on the R101 was brought to a standstill for several hours while rescue operations and preliminary investigations were conducted.
The surviving inmates are reportedly receiving medical treatment under police guard. Authorities have confirmed that none of them escaped custody during the chaos.
Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga has urged motorists to exercise extreme caution on the province’s busy roads, especially with recent spikes in fatal accidents. “We must prioritise road safety to prevent such devastating losses,” she said.
The SAPS has opened a case of culpable homicide and is appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the accident to come forward with information.
Funeral arrangements for the deceased officer are expected to be announced in the coming days, while the DCS will communicate directly with the families of the inmates regarding repatriation and burial.
The identities of the deceased are being withheld until all next of kin have been notified.
