GAMTOOS VALLEY – The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed that the man who died in a fatal crash involving his vehicle and two cash-in-transit vehicles on the N2 near Gamtoos Valley has been identified as Warrant Officer Ricardo George Roberts, who was based at the Mount Road Crime Intelligence Unit in Gqeberha.

As previously reported, the Eastern Cape Department of Transport indicated that preliminary reports showed that a vehicle was travelling on the wrong side of the road when it collided with one of the armoured vehicles.

The department said that, in an apparent attempt to avoid the collision, the second cash-in-transit vehicle veered off the road and down an embankment.

The department also said that the driver of the vehicle was declared dead at the scene, while two security guards from the armoured vehicles sustained injuries and were transported to hospital for medical treatment.

Police spokesperson Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa said the SAPS Eastern Cape Management was saddened by Roberts’ passing.

“Roberts was involved in a road accident on the N2 and he succumbed to his injuries,” said Mawisa.

She said the circumstances surrounding the accident form part of an ongoing investigation by SAPS Thornhill.

“The SAPS Employee Health and Wellness Services has been deployed to provide psychosocial support to the bereaved family and affected colleagues,” said Mawisa.

Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased member.

“Losing a SAPS member is a painful reminder of the sacrifices made by our men and women in blue in serving our communities. We mourn his passing and stand with his family during this difficult time,” said Ncata.

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