The MEC of Education in the Free State, Tate Makgoe (59), and his bodyguard died in a car accident this morning after the car they were travelling in collided with animals on the N1.

According to Sello Dithebe, spokesperson to the Free State Premier, Free State Emergency Services crews responded to an accident outside Winburg on the N1 at about 01:30.

“On arrival they found a light motor vehicle that collided with two cows and three occupants were trapped inside it. They used the jaws of life to free the occupants and unfortunately, two were declared dead on the scene, one being Makgoe and the other a male protector,” says Dithebe.

He adds that the driver of the vehicle suffered moderate injuries and was transported to Winburg Hospital, for stabilisation, to later be transported to a hospital in Bloemfontein.

Premier Mxolisi Dukwana is expected to address the media on the untimely passing of the MEC later today.

Makgoe served as education MEC since 2009.