Limpopo Transport MEC Violet Mathye has expressed her condolences to the families of five inmates and a police officer who died in a tragic accident on the R101 between Mokopane and Mookgophong. The incident occurred when a police van, transporting 11 inmates to the Mookgophong Magistrate’s Court, collided with a truck and overturned.

Preliminary police investigations indicate the officer attempted to overtake the truck, leading to the fatal crash. The officer and five inmates perished at the scene. The families of the officer and one inmate were present at the site, with the inmate’s family having been at the court to support him when they learned of the tragedy.

MEC Mathye described the families’ devastation, noting that one family had experienced a similar loss previously. “The family are devastated… for them, it is traumatizing because this is the second incident. They are heartbroken, but time will heal,” she said. Mathye confirmed that psychological support would be provided to help the families cope.

The incident has raised concerns about road safety and the circumstances leading to the crash, with further investigations underway.