Mbalula, Mazibuko mourn deaths of Tshwane metro cops
Minister of Transport Fikile Mbalula and Gauteng Community Safety MEC Faith Mazibuko have expressed their shock at the deaths of three Tshwane metro police officers.
The three metro cops were killed in a head-on collision while chasing a suspected drunk driver on the N4 in Pretoria the early hours of Sunday morning.
The suspect also died in the collision while his female passenger is recovering in hospital.
“I am deeply saddened by the untimely passing of these valiant public servants who died in the line of duty. We thank them for their service to the nation and commend them for their bravery. May their souls rest In peace,” said Mbalula.
Mazibuko said it is sad that the officers died only a few days after the lifting of the ban on the sale of alcohol.
"It is less than a week since the sale of alcohol has been opened under the National Disaster Act regulations, and a driver suspected of being drunk has taken the lives of three law enforcement officers.
“As government, we continue to plead with citizens to drink responsibility to prevent the senseless loss of lives.”
An investigation into the exact cause of the crash is underway.
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3 Tshwane metro cops killed by 'drunk driver'
The crash took place on the N4 between Transoranje Road and Rebecca Street in the early hours of Sunday morning. "At around 02:00, officers spotted a vehicle driving recklessly and facing oncoming traffic in the Pretoria CBD. The officers tried to stop the vehicle, but it fled and officers gave chase," metro police spokesperson Isaac Mahamba says.