A member of the presidential VIP protection unit has died, and two others were seriously injured while travelling in a motorcade for deputy president David Mabuza near Middelburg.

A statement by the national police spokesperson, Colonel Athlenda Mathe, said the Mabuza’s motorcade was travelling between Middelburg and Gauteng at 10:30 yesterday when one of the back-up cars’ tyres burst, causing the vehicle to roll.

Mathe said there were three members of the protection unit inside it. Two of them sustained serious injuries while the third was tragically pronounced dead on the scene.

The two injured officers were rushed to hospital for urgent medical attention. It is unclear what their condition is at this stage.

“The SAPS Employee Health and Wellness Unit has been dispatched to notify the families of the deceased member and the injured members,” said Mathe.

“A case of culpable homicide has been registered at the Middelburg Police Station.”

The national police commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, has on behalf of the SAPS sent his condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased member. He wished the injured members a speedy recovery.