LIMPOPO – A police officer from Tshiozwi lost his life in the line of duty after being struck by a vehicle during a roadblock conducted on the R521 on August 25.
Sgt Lutendo Thathaisa (39), who was stationed at the Mogwadi SAPS in Dendron was in the process of stopping oncoming vehicles from the south during a roadblock when a speeding vehicle, coming from the north, reportedly struck him. He succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Limpopo police spokesperson Lt Col Malesela Ledwaba confirmed the incident and said a case of culpable homicide and possible negligent driving would be investigated.
“Local police and emergency personnel were called to the scene. Upon their arrival, they found the officer critically injured,” he said.
Thathaisa was also a soccer player for Gogobole Bucs, a team in the Makhado Local Football league.
His twin brother, Jomo Thathaisa expressed the family’s devastation upon receiving the news. “We have received numerous messages of condolences from various areas, demonstrating that Lutendo has been welcoming to everyone, regardless of their background,” he said.
Transport MEC Florence Radzilani conveyed her sincere condolences to the family and Thathaisa’s colleagues, and emphasised the department’s concern for the safety of their officers on the roads while performing their duties.
“It is our collective responsibility to collaborate with the police, Transport and traffic officials to ensure safer roads for all road users.”
Thathaisa was buried at Tshiozwi on Saturday.
