Eastern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga, said she was shocked at the tragic accident which claimed the lives of four SAPS members and a civilian.
The accident happened on Sunday morning outside Ngcobo.
She said the four officers were returning from the Chris Hani District where they conducted crime prevention operations and awareness campaigns with communities and schools.
“The deceased members aged between 25 and 35 were stationed at the Alfred Nzo and OR Tambo districts respectively, and they include three males, a female member, and a civilian.
“The circumstances surrounding the accident are currently under investigation. Police have registered cases of culpable homicide for investigation,” General Ntshinga said.
The names of the deceased have not yet been released.
The Eastern Cape Transport Department said two vehicles, one an Isuzu tipper truck and the other a double-cab bakkie, collided head-on.
Department spokesperson, Unathi Binqose, said the occupants of the truck sustained injuries, with one person suffering serious injuries.
