Two metro cops killed in cow crash

Published Jul 6, 2015

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Pretoria - Driving on the highway at a speed of between 100 and 120km/h, the three on-duty officers of the Tshwane Metro Police Department whose car hit a cow on the N1 on Friday night did not stand a chance.

Two of the officers died on the scene, near the N1’s Murrayhill off-ramp at about 10pm.

Their colleague was injured.

He was taken to hospital for treatment and later discharged. He would be undergoing counselling.

Their white branded departmental BMW was severely damaged in the front and on top. Its windscreen is smashed.

There was blood on the deflated airbags and on the passenger seat of the car, now at the metro police depot.

ER24 spokeswoman Chitra Bodisang offered some expert analysis on what may have happened when the BMW hit the animal.

“In general, driving on the highway at a speed of about 120km/h and colliding with anything from a large animal to another vehicle could lead to critical injuries or fatalities.”

By Sunday, the department and the city were mourning the loss of two colleagues.

Three other vehicles were involved in the fatal accident.

The officers who died have been identified as constables Tshepo Mphaka from Mabopane, 25, and Smith Sefoka, 30, who hails from Mamelodi.

The third officer who survived the crash is Kreshen Naidoo.

The police officers were on duty and on routine patrol at the time of the accident.

The occupants of the other cars sustained minor injuries and were treated on the scene.

It has yet to be established where the cow came from, but an investigation will be conducted to determine this and exactly how the accident happened.

When the Pretoria News visited the scene, traces of glass and marks where the tyres had screeched to a halt were visible.

Splashes of paint covered the road surface where the accident occurred, indicating that one of the vehicles might have been carrying paint.

Mphaka’s father, Patrick, described his son as a respectful and focused person. “He always respected people’s views and had a great sense of humour. He had recently bought a house and also registered with Unisa to finish his modules for his law degree,” he said.

The Sefoka family didn’t want to comment, saying they were still in shock about the tragedy.

Details on the memorial services and burial for the two officers are still being discussed.

Tshwane Metro Police spokesman Senior Superintendent Isaac Mahamba said the three officers were on routine patrol when the accident occurred.

He said they would be sorely missed. “The contribution of these members who have died so unexpectedly to the department will always be remembered,” said Mahamba.

Both officers have been with the Tshwane metro police for more than a year, having joined in 2013.

“We extend our deepest condolences to their families and colleagues and encourage them not to be discouraged by the passing of their loved ones and colleagues,” said Mahamba

Mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa expressed his condolences on his personal Facebook page on Saturday.

“We are saddened by the death of our Tshwane Metro Police Department officers last night in a car accident while on duty,” he posted.

“The office of the executive mayor would like to extend condolences to the families of the deceased, friends and all officers.”

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Pretoria News

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