The SAPS bakkie was left a wreck after a speeding taxi slammed into it in NY 108.
This after a violent crash between a taxi and a police van in Gugulethu, Western Cape, on Sunday morning, 11 January.
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The accident happened along Klipfontein Road in NY 108, leaving residents shocked as the two vehicles smashed into each other on impact.
Onlookers said the taxi driver was speeding and trying to overtake several cars at once. They said he misjudged the speed of an oncoming police van. The vehicles collided head-on, leaving both badly damaged.
The driver and the two officers inside the van were all injured.
Abahlali said the taxi driver was alone at the time of the accident.
One resident, Philasande Cuthalele, said the injuries were serious. He said one of the officers suffered a broken leg.
“It was a sad situation. The officers were seriously injured as well as the driver,” said Philasande.
Another resident was woken by a loud bang. She said the sound was so strong it forced her out of bed.
“I was still in bed since I had just arrived from the Eastern Cape late the previous night,” she said.
Emergency services stabilised the injured before they were rushed to a nearby hospital.
Police spokesman Frederick van Wyk confirmed the crash.
He said a case of reckless and negligent driving has been registered.
Gugulethu police responded to the scene at around 6.45am.
“According to reports, the accident happened along Klipfontein Road in NY 108, when a Toyota Quantum taxi overtook two vehicles at high speed, and collided with the SAPS vehicle,” said Van Wyk.
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He confirmed both members sustained injuries. Van Wyk said no arrests have been made yet as investigations continue.
Police are appealing for help. Anyone with information can contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app.
