Polokwane – Two of the three police officers who died in a horrific collision while transporting prisoners have been laid to rest.
Thirty-five-year-old Constable Elelwani Daphney Mutwanamba was buried at Mabvete Village, in the Vhembe District, Limpopo, today, Sunday, 11 October 2026.
Constable Mutwanamba tragically lost her life in a motor vehicle accident on the R524 Levubu Road while on duty alongside two other South African Police Service (SAPS) members.
She was one of the three police officers from Tshilwavhusiku Police Station, Limpopo, who lost their lives in the line of duty on Tuesday, 6 October 2026, when their police van and a bakkie collided.
The other two police officers who died in a horrific crash while transporting awaiting-trial prisoners were 43-year-old Sergeant Rudzani Sidahela and 40-year-old Constable Linda Makhoba.
Two prisoners and the driver of the bakkie involved in the collision with the police van also died in the horrific crash.
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On Saturday, 10 October 2026, Sergeant Sidahela was laid to rest at Tshidimbini Village, also in the Vhembe District.
Constable Linda Makhoba will be laid to rest on 17 October 2026 at Ramahantsha Village (Sinthumule), Vhembe District.
Delivering the eulogy at Constable Muthwanamba’s funeral earlier today, the Limpopo Transport and Community Safety MEC N Kekana described her as a “par police woman” and a gallant fighter.
Major General FM Sebola said: “Constable Elelwani Mutwanamba answered a calling that demands courage, discipline and commitment to public duty.
“She wore the SAPS badge with dignity and served with purpose.
“Her loss is especially painful because her story was still unfolding, with dreams still to realise and milestones yet to celebrate.”
Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Limpopo, Lieutenant General JP Scheepers, was among the mourners who attended the funeral.
Yesterday, Saturday 10 October 2026, MEC N Kekana officiated at the funeral of Sergeant Sidahela.
“On behalf of the Limpopo Provincial Government, we extend our deepest condolences to the Sidahela family and the entire SAPS family,” MEC N Kekana said.
“Sergeant Sidahela was more than a police officer; he was a husband, father, son, brother, and valued member of his community.
“Tragically, while performing his duties on the R524 with two fellow officers, his life was cut short in a horrific motor vehicle crash.
“The loss of three officers in one day is a devastating blow to the SAPS and our department. “
“To the family, your loss is our loss.
“We honour his sacrifice and hope you find strength in his life, service, and the memories he leaves behind.”
The MEC said the SAPS remains committed to supporting the children of the deceased police officers.
