Members from the Bloemspruit community service centre received a complaint during the early hours of the morning, prompting the deployment of patrol vehicles to attend to the matter. Two additional police vehicles, one from Kopanong and another from Heidedal Police Stations, joined the response as backup.

Free State police spokesperson, Brig. Thandi Mbambo said the four police vehicles were travelling in convoy along the N8 National Road in an easterly direction at about 02:45. It is alleged a white Toyota Quantum approached the convoy while travelling recklessly from Botshabelo towards Bloemfontein in a westerly direction. The Quantum crossed out of its lane and struck the first police vehicle on its right rear-view mirror.

Toyota Quantum

The driver of the second police vehicle reportedly took evasive action to avoid the oncoming Quantum. However, the Toyota Quantum subsequently collided head-on with the third police vehicle. Different Road Incident Management System (RIMS) role players were summoned to the scene.

Paramedics declared the sergeant, 47, who was driving the third police vehicle, deceased at the scene. Another sergeant who was travelling in the vehicle sustained injuries and was rushed to hospital. The driver, 34,  of the Toyota Quantum was also transported to the hospital.

A case of culpable homicide has been registered, and police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the collision are continuing. The Free State provincial commissioner, Lt. Gen. Thabang Lesia, expressed his deep sadness following the loss of the sergeant, who was killed while responding to a complaint and carrying out his policing duties.

“It is with profound sadness that we mourn the loss of one of our members who lost his life while performing his duty and responding to a complaint. This is a painful reminder of the risks that police officers face every day in the execution of their responsibilities and their commitment to protecting the communities they serve.” 

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, colleagues, and friends of the deceased sergeant during this extremely difficult time. We extend our sincere wishes for a speedy recovery to the member who sustained injuries in the collision."

The death of the officer comes at a time when police are still mourning another member and one of their provincial voices who passed away last week. Sgt. Mahlomola Peter Kareli died on Wednesday morning (9/9) after a period of ill health.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday (17/9) for Kareli, with the venue yet to be confirmed. He will be laid to rest in Kroonstad on Saturday, with the funeral service expected to take place at Kananelo High School, Kroonstad, starting at 08:00

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