routine police transport trip turned chaotic on Tuesday morning when a South African Police Service (SAPS) vehicle carrying prisoners collided with a Toyota Yaris at a busy intersection in Lentegeur, Mitchells Plain. The crash, which occurred at the intersection of Morgenster and Eisleben Roads, left ten people injured and disrupted traffic for hours.
According to Western Cape police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk, the police van had been travelling from Pollsmoor Prison to the Philippi Magistrate’s Court. Onboard were 13 prisoners—ten men and three women—being transported for scheduled court appearances. What should have been a straightforward journey took a sudden and dangerous turn when the collision happened.
Emergency teams rushed to the scene, where they found several injured individuals. Among the prisoners, one woman sustained serious injuries, while five male prisoners suffered minor wounds. All six were taken to a nearby medical facility where they are being treated under strict police guard. “It is standard procedure that injured prisoners remain under police protection while receiving medical care,” said Lentegeur station commander Colonel Umavathie Rameshwarnath.
The occupants of the Toyota Yaris were also injured in the incident, and both were transported to hospital. In addition, two SAPS members—the driver and a crew officer—were admitted for observation following the collision. Captain Van Wyk confirmed that all injured parties are receiving treatment, but the police have not yet released further details regarding the severity of their conditions.
With the police vehicle damaged and the intersection heavily obstructed, traffic came to a standstill. The area is known for its high traffic volume, especially during peak hours, and the crash caused significant disruption. Motorists were advised to use alternative routes while law enforcement and emergency personnel worked to clear debris and stabilise the scene.
The cause of the collision remains unknown, and SAPS has launched a formal investigation. Authorities will examine a range of possible contributing factors, including driver behaviour, visibility, road conditions, and the mechanical state of both vehicles. Witness statements and available traffic camera footage are expected to form part of the inquiry.
While the injured prisoners received care, the remaining uninjured detainees continued their journey to court as originally scheduled. Van Wyk indicated that operational procedures were followed to ensure that court proceedings were not affected.
The incident has sparked renewed conversation about the safety of prisoner transport vehicles and whether additional measures are needed to prevent similar accidents. Questions have been raised regarding vehicle maintenance standards, driver fatigue, and the risks associated with navigating congested roads while transporting detainees.
Police are urging anyone who witnessed the collision to come forward. “We appeal to members of the public who may have information to assist with the investigation,” said Van Wyk. Witnesses are encouraged to contact the Lentegeur police station or the Crime Stop hotline on 08600 10111.
As investigations continue, the crash stands as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of road travel and the importance of strict safety protocols—particularly when transporting individuals in custody. Authorities hope that the findings from this incident will help prevent future accidents and strengthen safety measures within the SAPS transport system.
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