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A suspected taxi-related incident led to a deadly bakkie crash in Limpopo, killing one and leaving nine in critical condition.
Limpopo police track suspects after a Nissan NP200 bakkie ambush left one dead, nine critically injured in Tzaneen. Picture: Nissan
Suspected taxi operators allegedly attacked a bakkie in Tzaneen, Limpopo, sparking a violent incident that left one person dead and nine others critically injured.
The attack, which occurred around 5.30pm on Tuesday, claimed the life of a 55-year-old man and left nine of the 11 passengers in critical condition.
According to the police’s report, a 57-year-old man was driving a white Nissan NP 200 bakkie with 11 passengers he picked up from a hiking spot to Nkowankowa location.
The driver reportedly saw two men standing outside a white Toyota Etios with the licence plate branded Taxi Patrol and an unidentified registration number. He saw the men as he crossed the final stop sign before leaving town.
Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba stated that the suspects allegedly entered their vehicle and chased the driver, attempting to force him to stop, but he continued driving. A few metres from a filling station, Ledwaba said the driver reportedly heard a strange sound, and the bakkie suddenly lost control.
“The bakkie, as a result, hit the pillars on the side of the road, passengers fell out, and it stopped in the middle of the road. The said white Toyota Etios motor vehicle stopped and drove back to Tzaneen town,” Ledwaba said.
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Police officers and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel arrived at the scene, found the 55-year-old man, and declared him dead on arrival.
The EMS transported nine critically injured passengers to the local hospital for medical attention.
The police in Tzaneen are investigating the circumstances that led to this tragic incident. The police opened culpable homicide and attempted murder cases for further investigation.
The provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, strongly condemned the incident and ordered the police to track and trace the suspects.
The police have also asked anyone with information to assist the investigation to contact Investigating Officer Lieutenant Colonel Tsakane Ngwenya on 082 469 0931 or the crime stop number 08600 10111 or the nearest police station or the MySaps App.
Police investigations are continuing.
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