By Montsho Matlala
Mookgopong – The South African Police Union (SAPU) has blamed Limpopo authorities for the death of a police officer and eight awaiting-trial inmates in a crash involving a police van and a truck near Mookgopong.
The van, transporting eleven inmates from Mokopane Police Station to Mookgopong Magistrate’s Court, collided with a truck on Thursday.
According to provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, six inmates and the officer died at the scene, while two more inmates succumbed to injuries in hospital on Friday. The truck driver escaped with minor injuries.
SAPU provincial secretary Lesiba Phukubje said the tragedy was a result of neglected infrastructure at police stations across Limpopo.
“Many stations are dilapidated and unfit to house awaiting-trial prisoners. This forces officers to transport inmates daily between stations and courts, increasing risks and costs,” he said.
Phukubje added that SAPU has repeatedly warned authorities about the unsafe conditions but without success.
He called on Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba to intervene at the Department of Public Works to address poor infrastructure, arguing that the frequent transfers waste state resources that could be used for crime prevention.
In response, the premier’s spokesperson, Ndavhe Ramakuela, said while there is cooperative governance between the province and police, SAPU’s concerns should be directed to the national police leadership.
Limpopo Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe has promised a full investigation into the cause of the crash.
Meanwhile, the Road Accident Fund (RAF) said it is still reviewing whether inmates killed or injured in the crash qualify for compensation.
