A deadly accident happened on the N1 highway. Pic AIG
Thokozile Mnguni
A quiet stretch of the N1 near Bela-Bela in Limpopo became the scene of devastating loss over the weekend, leaving a family shattered and two separate culpable homicide investigations now underway.
A mother and her baby have died following a tragic chain of events involving an official vehicle assigned to Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi.
Police confirmed the incident occurred on Saturday and involved a vehicle driven by a member of the Protection Security Services (PSS). The minister was reportedly in the vehicle at the time.
According to preliminary reports, the woman was attempting to cross the highway with her two children, one of whom was strapped to her back. It is alleged that the family was trying to reach the other side of the road after an earlier tragedy in which the woman’s husband was struck and killed by a vehicle driven by an off duty police officer.
While crossing the highway, the woman and her children were struck by the ministerial vehicle. The mother and baby died at the scene.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said emergency services responded swiftly and that all occupants of the ministerial vehicle remained at the scene.
“The driver, the close protection officer and the Minister stopped at the scene and remained there until police and emergency medical services arrived. Statements were obtained from all parties present,” Mathe said.
Police have opened two separate culpable homicide cases as investigations continue into both incidents. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate has taken over aspects of the probe, as both drivers involved are members of the SAPS.
Police have extended condolences to the bereaved family, describing the events as a deeply tragic loss of life.