It is alleged that a truck hit a police vehicle and dragged it for at least half a kilometre after failing to stop. SAPS National spokesperson Colonel Athlenda Mathe told The South African that the accident occurred at approximately 4:45. “At the time of the accident, the three members from the Vereeniging Police Station were conducting crime prevention patrols when a truck allegedly failed to stop at a four-way crossing,” said Mathe. The truck hit the SAPS vehicle and dragged it for approximately 500 metres before it came to a halt.

The three occupants were declared dead at the scene. The identities of the deceased will be released once their next of kin have been informed. The truck driver was arrested and detained while a case of culpable homicide and reckless and negligent driving is under investigation. The national SAPS commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, offered his condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the three deceased police members.