Tragedy on the R101: Cop and Five Inmates Killed in Limpopo Crash

What began as a routine court transfer ended in a scene of devastation on a quiet Thursday morning in Limpopo.

A police officer and five inmates were killed when a South African Police Service (SAPS) vehicle carrying prisoners to court collided on the R101 between Mokopane and Mookgophong.

The officer, based at Naboomspruit Police Station, had collected 11 inmates from Mokopane Police Station for their scheduled court appearances. Moments later, tragedy struck.

“A horrific accident”

Limpopo SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba confirmed the grim toll.

“We can confirm, as the South African Police Service in Limpopo, that there was a horrific accident along Naboomspruit Road this morning, in which a SAPS member attached to Naboomspruit Police Station lost his life, along with four inmates,” Mashaba said.

The figure of four inmates was later updated to five fatalities, with six others rushed to hospital for medical attention.

The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety described it as a “serious motor vehicle accident with multiple injuries and fatalities,” warning motorists to avoid the area.

Road closures and delays

The crash brought traffic to a standstill on a key provincial route. Motorists travelling from Mokopane to Mookgophong were advised to use the N1 from the Zebetiela Weighbridge, while those heading in the opposite direction were diverted via the Mookgophong on- and off-ramps.

“Officers are stationed in both directions to redirect traffic,” said department spokesperson Tidimalo Chuene. “Please expect delays and plan your route accordingly.”

Shock and sadness across Limpopo

In small Limpopo towns, news travels fast and Thursday’s crash was the talk of taxi ranks, police canteens, and WhatsApp groups. On social media, locals expressed heartbreak over the officer’s death and concern for the families of the inmates who never made it to court.

One Facebook user posted, “A life lost is a life lost uniform or prison jumpsuit, they were still human.” Another simply wrote, “R101 is cursed,” referencing the notorious accident history of the route.

A dangerous road with a dark reputation

The R101, once the main road before the N1 bypass, still sees heavy traffic, particularly from trucks and buses. Sharp bends, narrow shoulders, and impatient overtaking have made it a hotspot for fatal crashes in Limpopo. Transport officials have long warned drivers to take extra care, but tragedies like Thursday’s serve as painful reminders.

Families left waiting for answers

For now, the SAPS and transport authorities are compiling a full report into what caused the crash. The police have promised updates once investigations are complete.

As Limpopo mourns, the road remains a stark reminder of how quickly routine duty can turn into disaster and how fragile the line between life and death can be on South Africa’s highways.

{Source: IOL}

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