THE identities of seven people who were fatally killed in a devastating accident have been confirmed with their immediate families on Tuesday, 13 February.
It is alleged that the incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 11 February on the R101 near Tobias in the Waterberg district of Limpopo.
The incident claimed the lives of five passengers from a Renault Sedan car and two passengers from a Toyota light delivery van.
It’s alleged that one of the vehicles was traveling from Mookgophong towards Mokopane.
Mafenya Lediga, the acting spokesman for Limpopo Transport and Community Safety, confirmed the incident.
"Five people from the Renault sedan and two occupants of the police car, a police officer and a suspect, died at the scene.
"The driver of the police vehicle was taken to the hospital and is currently receiving medical treatment," Lediga said.
Limpopo police spokesman Malesela Ledwaba said the police officer who died along with a suspect and was an occupant of the light delivery van was identified as Constable Makoela Mpetli (29), who was attached to the SAPS Naboomspruit.
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He said the deceased suspect is Resemate William Ntemane (45), who was initially arrested for assault and intimidation and was transported to Mokopane SAPS for detention.
"All five deceased people in the silver Renault sedan are from Lefahleng Village in Hammanskraal.
"They were identified as driver: Tlometsane Gontse Hendrick (29), Tlometsane Thabang Samuel (27), Sello Tlometsane (64), Kagiso Tlometsane (42) and Selaki Tlometsane 60)," said Ledwaba.
"The cause of this horrific accident is still unknown and is currently under investigation," he said.
Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe has sent messages of condolences to the bereaved families and wished the driver a speedy recovery.
Suzan Phala, DA's provincial spokeswomen on Transport and Community Safety, said: "This tragic accident highlights a need for the Limpopo Department of Transport to implement a road safety strategy and increased visibility and efficacy of traffic law enforcement on our roads."
