ACCIDENT SCENE: Limpopo police are investigating a case of culpable homicide after a head-on collision in which three police members, two awaiting-trial prisoners and the driver of a civilian vehicle were killed.

One awaiting-trial prisoner sustained serious injuries and was transported to hospital under police guard

The accident, between a SAPS vehicle and a civilian bakkie, occurred on Tuesday morning, 6 October 2026 on the R524 Levubu Road in the Vhembe District.

The SAPS vehicle, from Tshilwavhusiku Police Station, was transporting three awaiting‑trial prisoners to Thohoyandou when it collided with a white Mahindra bakkie belonging to Tshisimani Water.

Emergency services confirmed five deaths at the scene. A third SAPS member, who was critically injured and taken to hospital, later died, bringing the death toll to six.

The fatalities include one male and two female SAPS members, two male awaiting trial prisoners and a male civilian driver. 

Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Petrus Scheepers extended condolences to the bereaved families, colleagues, and loved ones, and wished the injured a speedy recovery.