Four police members and a civilian died in an accident outside Ngcobo after returning home from a crime prevention operation they attended.
The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga, has expressed her shock at the tragic accident that happened on Sunday morning, 25 April outside Ngcobo on the national road towards Mthatha.
Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana, provincial police spokesperson, said a civilian, believed to have been in the same vehicle with the police members, also passed away.
“The four officers were returning from the Chris Hani District where they conducted crime prevention operations and awareness campaigns with communities and schools,” Kinana said.
The deceased members, aged between 25 and 35, were stationed at the Alfred Nzo and OR Tambo districts respectively. The deceased police members were three men and a woman.
“Circumstances surrounding the accident are currently under investigation. Police have registered cases of Culpable Homicide for investigation. Details regarding the cause of the accident will form part of the investigation.”
Ntshinga has ordered a speedy and meticulous investigation into the circumstances which might have led to the unfortunate incident.
“As SAPS management we are shattered by this sad news. We do not need this and the untimely heart-breaking departure of our young and upcoming leaders has left us dumbfounded,” Ntshinga said.
She has conveyed her heartfelt condolences to all the families of the deceased.
“As the department is in the process of informing the next of kin, the names and other intimate details relating to the deceased will not be made available at this stage,” Kinana said.
Ntshinga will be visiting the affected families in the coming week.
