A police officer and five inmates died on Thursday morning when a South African Police Service (SAPS) vehicle transporting inmates to court crashed on the R101 between Mokopane and Mookgophong.
The officer, stationed at Naboomspruit Police Station, had collected 11 inmates from Mokopane Police Station for court appearances in Naboomspruit when the incident occurred.
Casualties and Injuries
SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said, “We can confirm that a SAPS member attached to Naboomspruit Police Station lost his life, along with four inmates.”
Medical teams transported six other injured inmates to hospital for treatment.
SAPS extended condolences to the families of the deceased.
Transport Department Response
According to IOL, the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety confirmed the crash involved multiple injuries and fatalities.
Department spokesperson Tidimalo Chuene advised motorists to use alternative routes due to the closure of the affected section.
Motorists travelling from Mokopane to Mookgophong should use the N1 from the Zebetiela Weighbridge, while those travelling from Mookgophong to Mokopane should use the Mookgophong on- and off-ramps.
“Our officers are stationed in both directions to redirect traffic. Please expect delays and plan your route accordingly. For real-time updates, consider checking ViaMichelin,” Chuene said.
Chuene said the relevant stakeholders will release further details once they compile a full report.
What measures can authorities take to improve prisoner transport safety and prevent accidents like this?
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