WITBANK – The South African Police Service (SAPS) is yet to release the full names of two Tactical Response Team (TRT) sergeants who died in a fatal car accident en route to Pretoria on Tuesday evening, 5 May. The national police confirmed the pair died in a single motor vehicle accident in Witbank, Mpumalanga. They were travelling in a white BMW.
“The state vehicle they were travelling in reportedly lost control, resulting in the fatal crash. The members were travelling to Pretoria to testify in court cases. The names of the deceased will be released once all immediate family members have been informed,” said Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, national police spokesperson.
According to Mathe, the officers were at the time of their deaths deployed as part of the eManguzi Task Team in KwaZulu-Natal, which is actively involved in combating cross-border crimes.
The Acting National Commissioner of SAPS, Lt Gen Puleng Dimpane, has extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased members. “The loss of these dedicated officers is a devastating blow to the organisation. They served the country with commitment and courage. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones during this painful time,” said Dimpane.
The SAPS has also extended its sympathies to the colleagues of the two officers, particularly those within the eManguzi Task Team, who worked closely with them in the fight against crime.
Mathe said the SAPS Employee Health and Wellness unit has been dispatched to provide psychosocial services to the bereaved families and colleagues of the members.
