TWO ACCIDENTS ON THE N1 NEAR BELA-BELA, LIMPOPO
Pretoria, 12 May 2026; The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirms that an accident involving the official vehicle of the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, occurred on the N1 near Bela-Bela, Limpopo on Saturday, 09 May 2026. The state vehicle was at the time driven by a member from the Protection Security Services(PSS).
A preliminary investigation suggests that a woman was attempting to cross the road with her two children, one of whom was strapped to her back. The trio was attempting to get to the other side of the road to attend to an earlier incident in which the woman’s husband was allegedly struck by a vehicle driven by an off-duty police officer and died at the scene.
It is further alleged that while crossing the road, the woman and her children were involved in a collision with the Minister’s official vehicle. Tragically, the mother and baby succumbed to their injuries.
In line with standard protocol, the Minister’s close protector and the driver immediately stopped at the scene together with the Minister and remained there until police and emergency medical services arrived.
Statements were subsequently obtained from those present at the scene.
Two separate cases of culpable homicide are under investigation and the circumstances surrounding both accidents form part of ongoing police investigations.
The SAPS extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved family during this difficult time.
IPID has taken over investigations as both drivers are SAPS members.
