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 on Saturday, 9 May 2026. The state vehicle was driven by a member of the Protection Security Services (PSS).
A preliminary investigation indicates 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 reach 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.
While crossing the road, the woman and her children were involved in a collision with the Minister’s official vehicle. 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. The circumstances surrounding both accidents form part of ongoing police investigations.
SAPS extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved family.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has taken over the investigation, as both drivers are SAPS members.
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