Pretoria: Government says it is shocked and deeply saddened by the death of four police officials and a truck driver, who were killed in an explosion on the N1 near Mokopane, in Limpopo, early this morning.

According to a statement by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), a grocery truck collided with a truck carrying blasting cartridges, and soon after the police arrived on the scene of the collision, the cartridges went off.

Acting GCIS CEO Phumla Williams said: “It is indeed a sad day for government and the people of the country to have lost men in the line of duty. Government offers its deepest condolences to the families and friends of the deceased. Our thoughts and prayers are with them”.

Government is confident that the South African Police Service will thoroughly investigate the accident.

“Citizens should pause and remember to thank law enforcement officials who are the first respondents to accidents and other criminal activities. On a daily basis, they risk their own lives to fulfil their mission of protecting fellow citizens,” said Williams.

Meanwhile, Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa has also offered his condolences to the families.

“We are deeply saddened about this tragic loss of lives of our members, who died whilst on duty. In their pursuit for safety, they served with dedication right until their untimely passing.

“Our hearts are filled with grief and sorrow because our nation, the South African Police Service and the people of Limpopo have been robbed of these dedicated members,” said Minister Mthethwa.

The Minister, accompanied by the National Commissioner of Police, General Riah Phiyega and senior police management, are currently en route to Limpopo.

They are accompanied by members from the Employee Health and Wellness team who will offer psychological and trauma counselling to the affected families.

A team of police investigators is also at the scene.

SOURCE: South African Official News