Three cops, two prisoners among six killed in horror Limpopo crash

Six people, including three police officers and two awaiting-trial prisoners, were killed in a head-on crash in Limpopo on Tuesday.

The deadly collision happened on the R524 Levubu Road in the Vhembe District on 6 October.

A SAPS vehicle from Tshilwavhusiku Police Station was transporting three awaiting-trial prisoners to a correctional facility in Thohoyandou when it collided head-on with a Mahindra bakkie belonging to Tshisimani Water.

Death toll rises to six

Emergency medical services declared five people dead at the scene.

A third police officer, who suffered serious injuries, was taken to hospital but later died.

SAPS confirmed the six victims were one male and two female police officers, two male awaiting-trial prisoners and the male driver of the bakkie.

Another awaiting-trial prisoner suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital under police guard.

Culpable homicide case opened

Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said police had opened a culpable homicide case at Makhado Police Station.

Investigators are working to establish what caused the collision.

Police have not yet released the names of those killed pending the necessary procedures and notification of their families.

Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Jan Petrus Scheepers extended condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the victims.

“We extend our sincere condolences to all the bereaved families, colleagues and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this tragic incident,” Scheepers said.