Three people, among them a serving South African Police Service (SAPS) sergeant and a retired police captain, lost their lives in a devastating head-on collision on the N1 near Ha Phasa in Limpopo on Friday evening.
The victims have been identified as Sergeant David Mulanga Mabeba, 43, who was attached to Sunnyside SAPS in Gauteng, retired Captain Obed Malindela Tshikhudo, 62, formerly based at Westenburg SAPS in Limpopo, and Rachel Mamphwe, 53.
The fatal crash occurred in the Botlokwa policing area, where officers have since opened a case of culpable homicide.
N1 Head-On Collision Near Ha Phasa Leaves Three Dead
Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said officers were alerted to the serious accident at about 6.50pm and rushed to the scene.
“On arrival, police found two severely damaged vehicles involved in a head-on collision,” said Ledwaba.
According to preliminary information, a white Hyundai i20 was allegedly travelling from south to north when it collided with a Toyota Corolla Sprinter heading in the opposite direction.
Sergeant Mabeba, who was the sole occupant of the Hyundai i20, was found trapped inside the wreckage, The Times Post was told.
“He was certified dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel,” said Ledwaba.
Retired Captain And Passenger Extricated With Jaws Of Life
In the Toyota Corolla Sprinter, emergency personnel discovered retired Captain Tshikhudo and Mamphwe trapped inside the badly damaged vehicle.
Rescue teams used the jaws of life to remove both occupants from the wreckage.
“Both occupants were unfortunately certified dead at the scene,” Ledwaba said.
It was previously reported by IOL that police had recovered a police appointment card at the scene before the identities of the deceased were officially confirmed.
Limpopo Police Commissioner Extends Condolences To Families
The exact cause of the collision remains under investigation.
Limpopo police commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe expressed sympathy to the families, friends and colleagues of those who died.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives in this devastating accident. We extend our sincere condolences to the families, friends and colleagues affected by this tragedy, particularly the SAPS members who have lost one of their own and a former colleague. May their souls rest in peace,” said Hadebe.
Police in Botlokwa are continuing their investigation.
