Six people, among them three police officers and two awaiting-trial prisoners, were killed on Tuesday when a police van and a bakkie collided head-on on the R524 Levubu Road in Limpopo's Vhembe district.
The sixth victim was the driver of the bakkie, a white Mahindra belonging to Tshisimani Water.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the van, from Tshilwavhusiku police station, was taking three awaiting-trial prisoners to a correctional facility in Thohoyandou when the two vehicles collided. The crash happened in the morning, about five kilometres outside Louis Trichardt in the Makhado municipality.
Toll rises to six
Five people were declared dead at the scene by emergency medical services.
"Two of the awaiting-trial prisoners died on the spot alongside two other police officers, including an occupant of the Mahindra bakkie belonging to a water supply company," Mashaba said.
A third police officer was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries, where the officer later died.
"The total number of fatalities is now six, comprising three SAPS members; one male and two females; two awaiting-trial prisoners, both males; and the driver of the civilian vehicle, a male," Mashaba said.
The third prisoner survived. He was seriously injured and is being treated in hospital under police guard.
None of the dead has been named. Police said identities would be released once next of kin had been informed.
Condolences from police and province
Limpopo provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Petrus Scheepers led the tributes.
"We extend our sincere condolences to all the bereaved families, colleagues and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this tragic incident," he said.
Senior police management went to the scene, Mashaba said.
Limpopo MEC for Transport and Community Safety Nakedi Kekana said the provincial government was deeply saddened by the crash and extended condolences to the families of those killed. Her department's first statement, issued before the third officer died, put the toll at five dead and two injured.
The R524 was closed while emergency crews worked and has since reopened.
Culpable homicide case opened
A case of culpable homicide has been opened at Makhado police station, and Mashaba said the circumstances of the crash were under investigation.
Police have not said what caused the collision, which vehicle left its lane, or whether speed, visibility or road conditions played a part. The exact time of the crash and the number of people in the bakkie have also not been confirmed.
Third prisoner-transport crash in 14 months
Tuesday's collision is at least the third serious crash involving a police vehicle carrying detainees on Limpopo roads since August 2025.
On 14 August 2025, a police officer and six inmates died when a SAPS vehicle crashed on the R101 between Mokopane and Mookgophong. Parliament's police portfolio committee chairperson, Ian Cameron, confirmed the deaths at the time.
On 29 May 2026, three prisoners and a police officer were seriously injured when a police vehicle hit a tractor that was allegedly crossing the N11 near Groblersdal, the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety said at the time.
The three crashes have left 13 people dead.
