Cape Town – A collision between a South African Police Service (SAPS) prisoner transport vehicle and a Toyota Yaris at a busy intersection in Lentegeur, Mitchells Plain, has left ten people injured, including two police officers and six prisoners. The incident occurred on Tuesday at the intersection of Morgenster and Eisleben Roads.
According to Western Cape police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk, the police vehicle was en route from Pollsmoor Prison to the Philippi Magistrate’s Court when the collision took place. The vehicle was carrying 13 prisoners – ten men and three women.
Of the prisoners on board, one woman sustained serious injuries, while five male prisoners suffered minor injuries. All six were immediately transported to a nearby medical facility and remain under police guard.
Captain Van Wyk confirmed the injuries to both officers and civilians, stating that "The two occupants of the Toyota and two SAPS members were also transported to a nearby hospital for treatment."
Lentegeur police station commander Colonel Umavathie Rameshwarnath provided further details, stating that the occupants of the Toyota were injured in the crash, while the police driver and crew member were hospitalised for observation.
Rameshwarnath also confirmed that the injured prisoners are being guarded by police while receiving treatment. "It is standard procedure. Because the prisoners were injured, they must be escorted under police protection," she explained.
The remaining prisoners, who were not injured in the collision, were transported to court as scheduled, according to Van Wyk.
The cause of the collision remains unclear at this stage, and police have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The investigation will focus on factors such as driver error, road conditions, and the mechanical condition of the vehicles involved.
The intersection of Morgenster and Eisleben Roads is known to be a busy area, and traffic flow was disrupted for several hours following the collision. Motorists were advised to use alternative routes while emergency services attended to the injured and cleared the scene.
The incident has raised questions about the safety of prisoner transport and the procedures in place to prevent accidents. Police authorities are expected to review their protocols to ensure the safety of both prisoners and law enforcement officers during transportation.
The injured parties are currently receiving medical treatment, and their conditions are being monitored. Police have not released any further information about the extent of their injuries or the expected duration of their hospital stays.
As the investigation progresses, police are appealing to any witnesses who may have information about the collision to come forward and assist with their inquiries. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Lentegeur police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
The collision serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with road transportation and the importance of adhering to traffic regulations. It also highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in ensuring the safe and secure transportation of prisoners. The outcome of the police investigation will be crucial in determining the cause of the accident and preventing similar incidents in the future.
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