The State vehicle the officers were travelling in.
Image: SAPS
The South African Police Service (SAPS) is mourning the tragic loss of two Tactical Response Team(TRT) Sergeants who lost their lives in a vehicle crash on Tuesday in Mpumalanga.
According to the national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the vehicle crash took place in Witbank as reported by IOL.
“The members were travelling to Pretoria on Tuesday evening, May 5, 2026, to testify in cases before the court when the state vehicle they were travelling in reportedly lost control, resulting in the fatal crash. At the time of their passing, both members were deployed as part of the eManguzi Task Team in KZN, where they were actively involved in combating cross-border crimes,” Mathe said.
The Acting National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, extended her condolences to the bereaved families and friends of the deceased.
“The loss of these dedicated officers is a devastating blow to the organisation. They served the country with commitment and courage. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones during this painful time,” Dimpane said.
The SAPS also extended its deepest sympathies to the colleagues of the fallen members, particularly those within the eManguzi Task Team, who worked closely with them in the fight against crime.
The names of the officers will be released once all immediate family members have been informed.
The SAPS Employee Health and Wellness (EHW) unit has been dispatched to provide psychosocial services to the families and colleagues of the members.