LIMPOPO – Police in Limpopo are investigating a case of culpable homicide following the fatal head-on collision involving a Saps vehicle and a civilian vehicle along the R524 Levubu Road in the Vhembe District this morning.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba says it is alleged that a Saps vehicle from Tshilavhusiku Police Station, transporting three awaiting-trial prisoners to a Correctional Facility in Thohoyandou, collided head-on with a bakkie belonging to Tshisimani Water.

Five dead on scene, one later dies in hospital

EMS attended the scene and certified five people dead on the scene.

The third Saps member, who had sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment, later succumbed to his injuries.

The six fatalities

The total number of fatalities is now six, comprising:

• Three Saps members, one male and two females
• Two awaiting-trial prisoners, both males
• The driver of the civilian vehicle, a male

One awaiting-trial prisoner sustained serious injuries and was transported to hospital under police guard.

Investigation underway

A case of culpable homicide has been opened at Makhado Police Station. The circumstances surrounding the collision are being investigated.

Relevant Saps units and senior management attended the scene.

Identities withheld

The identities of the deceased are known but will not be released at this stage, pending the necessary procedures and notification of their next of kin.