Minister Aaron Motsoaledi was involved in a fatal accident

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed that the official vehicle transporting Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi was involved in a fatal accident on the N1 near Bela-Bela, Limpopo, on Saturday, 9 May 2026.

According to a preliminary police investigation, the state vehicle was being driven by a member of the Protection Security Services (PSS) when the collision occurred.

Police allege that a woman was attempting to cross the highway with her two children, one of whom was strapped to her back, after an earlier accident in which her husband was allegedly knocked down and killed by a vehicle driven by an off-duty police officer.

Authorities said the woman and her children were trying to get to the scene of the first crash when they were struck by the minister’s official vehicle.

The mother and baby sustained fatal injuries and were declared dead.

Information regarding the condition of the second child has not been disclosed.

SAPS said the minister, his driver and close protection officer immediately stopped at the scene following the collision and remained there until police and emergency medical personnel arrived.

Statements were later obtained from individuals present at the scene as part of the investigation.

Police have opened two separate culpable homicide cases relating to both incidents, while the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has taken over the investigation because both drivers involved are SAPS members.

SAPS extended condolences to the bereaved family as investigations into the circumstances surrounding both accidents continue.