Tshilwavhusiku – The three police officers who died in a horrific crash while transporting awaiting-trial prisoners have been named as 43-year-old Sergeant Rudzani Sidahela, 40-year-old Constable Linda Makhoba, and 35-year-old Constable Elelwani Daphney Mutwanamba.
The three police officers from Tshilwavhusiku Police Station, Limpopo, lost their lives in the line of duty on Tuesday, 6 October 2026, in a collision involving a police van and a bakkie.
Two awaiting-trial prisoners were among the six people who died in the R524 (Levubu Road) collision.
At the same time, they were being driven from Tshilwavhusiku Police Station to a correctional facility in Thohoyandou.
The driver of the Mahindra bakkie belonging to a water supply company also perished in the collision.
On Thursday, 8 October 2026, bereaved families, colleagues, community members and stakeholders gathered at Mutomoli Memorial Hall in Tshilwavhusiku, Vhembe District, in Limpopo to honour the lives and service of three police officers.
The newly appointed Tshilwavhusiku Station Commander, Lieutenant Colonel MA Thulare, struggled to contain his emotions as he reflected on the loss of Sergeant Sidahela, Constable Makhoba and Constable Mutwanamba.
Lieutenant Colonel Thulare said he had looked forward to celebrating the achievements of the station, which he attributed to the hard work and dedication of its members.
However, he was shattered when he received news of the fatal crash.
He described informing the bereaved families of their loss as one of the most difficult moments, saying the South African Police Service (SAPS) had lost future leaders and true patriots who served with discipline, professionalism, pride and dedication.
“They were disciplined and full of life, joy and charisma. They served their communities with pride and loyalty and remained dedicated to their families and their duties,” said Lieutenant Colonel Thulare.
He expressed appreciation to SAPS Employee Health and Wellness for its assistance and support to the affected families and colleagues.
Lieutenant Colonel Thulare promised that the police would support the bereaved families, particularly the young children left behind, even beyond the funeral services.
Vhembe District Commissioner, Major General ERS Van Der Walt, expressed his deep sadness over the loss of the three members and paid tribute to their dedicated service to their communities and families.
Major General Van Der Walt acknowledged their contribution to Tshilwavhusiku Police Station’s progress from being the worst-performing station to the best-performing station in the province, and commended station management for its leadership and guidance.
“We are proud of them and we salute them. Let us honour our fallen members through our actions, loyalty and commitment,” said Major General Van Der Walt.
He reminded SAPS members of their responsibility as gatekeepers of the Constitution, saying they must continue protecting communities and raising the flag of service.
Major General Van Der Walt extended his condolences to the bereaved families, particularly the children who now face the future without their parents, and called on members to continue making the fallen officers proud through dedicated service.
On behalf of Makhado Local Municipality, Councillor Kutama conveyed heartfelt condolences to the families, colleagues and friends of the fallen members.
Cllr Kutama called on all present to remember not only the officers’ years of service, but also their dedication and sacrifice, particularly the ultimate sacrifice they made while performing their duties.
He commended the SAPS leadership and all stakeholders who came to honour the fallen heroes, while recognising the contribution made by the three members to the achievements of Tshilwavhusiku Police Station.
The memorial service was attended by SAPS members from the provincial office and stations across the province, various stakeholders, including representatives from the National Prosecuting Authority, traditional leadership, community structures and other partners, who joined SAPS in paying tribute to the fallen officers.
The SAPS in Limpopo extended its deepest condolences to the families of Sergeant Rudzani Sidahela, Constable Linda Makhoba and Constable Elelwani Daphney Mutwanamba, their colleagues, friends and the Tshilwavhusiku policing community.
Their service, sacrifice and dedication to the people they served will forever remain part of the SAPS legacy.
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