The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, addresses allegations surrounding an incident involving a police officer and a tragic accident that resulted in the death of a woman and her daughter in Lebowakgomo policing area.

On Wednesday, 23 October 2024, at approximately 09:00, a vehicle accident occurred along the R37 at Phalakwane village. Preliminary investigations indicate that the victims were struck by the vehicle, and the officer was present at the scene when the local police and emergency medical services arrived. Tragically, the 19-year-old female was declared dead at the scene, while her mother later succumbed to her injuries in the hospital.

Lieutenant General Hadebe refutes claims made by some media outlets suggesting that the police officer fled the scene. The Provincial Commissioner is profoundly disappointed by the dissemination of unverified information, which poses a significant risk with a potential to setting those familie
s and also our police officer for the stressful encounter and undermining public confidence in the police.

A case of culpable homicide has been registered, and investigations are underway.

“We urge the community to allow and give the police the necessary time and space to thoroughly investigate the circumstances of this incident. We assure the public that due processes will be followed to the latter and justice will be served,” concluded Lieutenant General Hadebe.

Source: South African Police Service