The Free State MEC for Police, Roads and Transport, Sam Mashinini, has in a statement expressed his sincere condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased policemen who were stationed at Deneysville at the time of their deaths. Mashinini says the accident is a shock and will continue to impact the lives of the officials’ immediate community members. OFM News’ Olebogeng Motse reports the deceased policemen were killed while on duty on Friday evening, 1 May 2020. 

At the time of the horror accident, estimated to be 20:15pm, the officers - a warrant officer and a sergeant - were busy inspecting a truck under the Covid-19 regulations when the driver of a light delivery vehicle collided into them. While it was dark, the policemen both had reflector jackets on. It’s alleged the driver was under the influence of alcohol and was arrested shortly thereafter.

Mashinini laments the unnamed officers served their community with dedication sharing National Police Commissioner Khehla Sitole’s sentiments on the matter. He further thanked authorities for enforcing Covid-19 regulations since the beginning of the lockdown. Reports indicate the driver of the light delivery vehicle is in police custody and is likely to face charges of culpable homicide, driving under the influence of alcohol, as well as contravention of the Regulations of the Disaster Management Act in that he failed to remain in his house during the lockdown. 

Meanwhile, only essential service workers are allowed to renew their driver's and vehicle licenses during lockdown level 4. Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula said the opening of the driver's licence testing centres would be staggered once the inspection and verification of the state of readiness were done on all of them. The metro-based centres will be opened first from 1 June.

OFM News