Health Minister Dr. Motsoaledi Involved in Tragic Accident Resulting in Death of Mother and Baby

Bela-Bela – The South African Police Service has confirmed what can only be described as a devastating series of events on the N1, near Bela-Bela in Limpopo.

Detailing the incident, police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe explained that on Saturday, 9 May 2026, a woman trying to cross the busy highway with her two children was struck by the official vehicle of Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi.

The state vehicle was operated by a member of the Protection Security Services.

Brigadier Mathe noted that preliminary investigations suggested that the woman was not crossing the road recklessly.

She was rushing to the scene of another accident—one involving her husband, who had just been tragically hit by a vehicle operated by an off-duty police officer.

In a cruel twist of fate, while attempting to reach her husband’s body, the woman and her children were involved in a collision with the Minister’s vehicle.

Sadly, the mother and the infant secured on her back did not survive their injuries.

The Minister, his security detail, and the driver remained at the scene until police and emergency services arrived. Statements were collected from witnesses.

Brigadier Mathe mentioned that two separate investigations into culpable homicide are currently underway.

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has taken charge, as both drivers involved are members of the South African Police Service (SAPS).

The police extended their condolences to the grieving family, whose tragedy now spans two accidents, two SAPS-associated drivers, and one ministerial convoy.