Woman and child killed in crash involving Health Minister’s state vehicle

Investigations are underway following a fatal accident in which the official state vehicle of Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, was involved. The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that the accident occurred on the N1 near Bela-Bela, Limpopo, on Saturday.

According to the police, preliminary investigation suggests that a woman was attempting to cross the road with her two children, one of whom was strapped to her back. The trio was reportedly attempting to cross the road to attend to an earlier incident involving the woman’s husband.

The husband was allegedly struck by a vehicle driven by an off-duty police officer and died at the scene.

Investigations further alleged that while crossing the road, the woman and her children were involved in a collision with the Minister’s official vehicle. The state vehicle was at the time driven by a member of the Protection Security Services(PSS).

Police confirmed that the mother and baby succumbed to their injuries.

“In line with standard protocol, the Minister’s close protector and the driver immediately stopped at the scene together with the Minister and remained there until police and emergency medical services arrived,” said SAPS Brigadier Athlenda Mathe

Mathe added that statements were subsequently obtained from those present at the scene.

Two separate cases of culpable homicide are under investigation, and the circumstances surrounding both accidents form part of ongoing police investigations. The Police watchdog, IPID, has taken over the investigation, as both drivers are SAPS members.

“The SAPS extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved family during this difficult time.”