Mabuza’s bodyguard killed as motorcade crashes in Mpumalanga

Deputy President David Mabuza’s motorcade was involved in an accident that left one person dead in Middelburg in Mpumalanga, on Sunday.

In a statement, the SA Police Service confirmed a member of the SAPS protection unit was killed in the crash.

“The SAPS confirms that at about 10.30am on Sunday, the deputy president’s motorcade was travelling between Mpumalanga and Gauteng when one of the back-up vehicles’ tyres burst, causing the vehicle to roll over,” said Col Athlenda Mathe. 

“Three members who were in the vehicle sustained serious injuries. One of these members was declared dead at the scene, while the other two were transported to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention.

“The deputy president was in another vehicle. He was not injured,” Mathe said.

SAPS national police commissioner Gen Fannie Masemola conveyed his condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased officer. He also wished the injured officers a speedy recovery.

A case of culpable homicide has been registered at the Middelburg police station.

In July, Mabuza’s motorcade was involved in an accident on the N1 in Midrand, Johannesburg. Two officers were injured in that crash.

Mabuza was not travelling in that motorcade. With Penwell Dlamini

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