A tragic accident on the R529 road between Letsitele and Lydenburg in Limpopo has claimed the lives of four people, including two South African Police Service (SAPS) members. The collision, which occurred on Saturday morning, September 21, 2024, has left the community reeling with grief and mourning.
The victims were on their way to attend the funeral of a fellow SAPS member when their grey Ford Figo collided head-on with a purple Quantum taxi. Among the deceased were Constable Moloto, aged 53, and Patience Shingange, a 49-year-old data capturer and dedicated representative of the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU). Tragically, Patience’s 18-year-old daughter, Tinghitsi Shingange, and her 70-year-old aunt, Lucy Shikwambana, also lost their lives in the crash.
The cause of the accident is still under investigation, but the devastating impact of the collision has been deeply felt throughout the community and the SAPS family.
“This collision has left an immense void in our community,” said Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, the Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the grieving families during this incredibly difficult time. We honor the lives of these individuals, who served their community with unwavering dedication and commitment.”
Lieutenant General Hadebe extended her heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased, emphasizing the profound loss experienced by the entire SAPS community. “We also wish a speedy recovery to the nine passengers and the driver of the Quantum taxi who sustained injuries in the accident,” she added. “We hope they find strength and support from their loved ones on their road to recovery.”
This tragic incident comes on the heels of another fatal accident involving a police officer from the Mthatha K9 Unit. On Monday, September 16, a 49-year-old Warrant Officer was killed while tracking down suspects linked to a house robbery. The officer was driving one of two police vehicles that collided with a minibus and another car near Dukathole Brickyard on the N2 outside Tsolo.
These back-to-back tragedies underscore the inherent risks faced by members of the SAPS as they carry out their duties. They serve as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by those who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving their communities.
The community has been deeply affected by these losses, and the SAPS family is rallying together to support the grieving families. Memorial and funeral arrangements for the four victims will be announced in due course.
As the investigation into the cause of the collision continues, the community remains in mourning, reflecting on the lives lost and the service and commitment of those who died in the line of duty.
The SAPS has urged the public to exercise caution on the roads, especially during times of grief and loss, to prevent further tragedies. The families of the deceased have requested privacy as they come to terms with their devastating loss.
This tragic event highlights the daily dangers faced by those in uniform and the need for communities to support their local law enforcement officers as they perform their duties under challenging circumstances. The memory of Constable Moloto, Patience Shingange, and their loved ones will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved them.