POLOKWANE - Six people have died following a head-on collision involving a SAPS vehicle and a civilian vehicle on the R524 Levubu Road in Limpopo’s Vhembe District.
The crash happened on Tuesday morning.
According to SAPS, the police vehicle from Tshilwavhusiku Police Station was transporting three awaiting-trial prisoners to a correctional facility in Thohoyandou when it collided with a white Mahindra bakkie belonging to Tshisimani Water.
Five people were declared dead at the scene.
A third SAPS member, who sustained serious injuries, was taken to a local hospital for treatment but later succumbed to their injuries, bringing the death toll to six.
Another awaiting-trial prisoner was seriously injured and remains in hospital under police guard.
A case of culpable homicide has been opened as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Petrus Scheepers has expressed his condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of those who died.
“We extend our sincere condolences to all the bereaved families, colleagues and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this tragic incident. We also wish the injured a speedy recovery,” said Scheepers.