Polokwane – At least 12 police officers were injured when a motorist traveling northbound on the N1 veered out of his lane and collided with their minibus.
Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the collision occurred around 19:00 on Friday 29 August 2026, next to the Astron Garage, near Polokwane.
“Reports indicate that the crash happened when a motorist traveling northbound on the N1 veered out of his lane and collided with a police minibus,” said Colonel Ledwaba.
“As a result, the sedan caught fire.”
Motorists at the scene, together with emergency services, responded swiftly.
The sedan had already ignited, but dedicated responders managed to extinguish the blaze.
Colonel Ledwaba said the collision claimed the life of the motorist and left 12 South African Police Service (SAPS) members injured.
The injured SAPS members were taken to various medical facilities in Limpopo.
Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers, has extended well wishes to SAPS members who survived a fatal crash.
Lieutenant General Scheepers, who visited the scene, conveyed his condolences to the family of the deceased motorist and wished the injured members a speedy recovery.
Meanwhile, the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety warned motorists of the temporary closure of the N1 next to Astron Garage.
“Motorists are urged to exercise extreme caution, remain patient and avoid the affected section of the N1 until further notice,” the department said.
“As an alternative route, motorists travelling from Mokopane to Polokwane may use the R101.
“Those travelling from Polokwane southbound may also use the R101 and rejoin the N1 in Mokopane.”
