Woman and baby killed after tragic chain of crashes involving Aaron Motsoaledi’s official vehicle

Aaron Motsoaledi’s official vehicle kills mother and baby

A tragic series of events on the N1 near Bela-Bela in Limpopo has left multiple people dead and sparked an investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid), after Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi’s official vehicle became involved in a fatal collision.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the incident unfolded on Saturday, 9 May, beginning with a separate crash in which an off-duty police officer allegedly struck and killed a man on the highway.

Police say the victim’s wife, who was reportedly trying to reach the scene alongside her two children, attempted to cross the busy road moments later.

One of the children was a baby strapped to her back at the time.

“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,” SAPS spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe said.

The state vehicle transporting Motsoaledi was reportedly being driven by a member of the Protection Security Services unit when the collision occurred.

“Tragically, the mother and baby succumbed to their injuries,” Mathe added.

Authorities confirmed that the minister, his driver and his close protection officer stopped immediately after the incident and remained at the scene until police and emergency services arrived.

“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,” said Mathe.

Police have since opened two culpable homicide cases linked to the separate crashes, while statements from witnesses and those involved have already been collected as investigations continue.

Because both drivers involved in the incidents are SAPS members, the matter has now been handed over to Ipid for further investigation.

SAPS also extended condolences to the grieving family following the devastating events that unfolded on one of the country’s busiest highways.