Retired Captain and Police Sergeant Killed in Head-On Collision on N1 in Limpopo

Polokwane – Sergeant David Mulanga Mabeba and retired Captain Obed Malindela Tshikhudo have been confirmed as two of the three individuals who perished in a head-on collision on the N1 road, near Ha Phasa in Limpopo.

The tragic incident took place yesterday evening, Friday, 15 May 2026.

Authorities in Botlokwa, within the Capricorn District, confirmed the identities of 43-year-old Sergeant Mabeba from the Sunnyside Police Station and 62-year-old Tshikhudo, who served at Westenburg Police Station prior to his retirement.

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba reported that three individuals lost their lives in this head-on collision.

A preliminary report indicates that police received alerts about a serious motor vehicle accident on the N1 road around 18h50 and promptly arrived at the scene.

“Upon arrival, officers discovered two heavily damaged vehicles involved in the collision,” Colonel Ledwaba stated.

“The first vehicle, a white Hyundai i20, was reportedly traveling from south to north when it struck a Toyota Corolla Sprinter coming from the opposite direction.

“Police found Sergeant Mabeba, who was the sole occupant of the Hyundai i20, trapped inside the vehicle.”

He was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel.

“Inside the Toyota Corolla Sprinter, rescuers located retired Captain Tshikhudo along with a female passenger who were both trapped in the wreckage,” the police spokesperson added.

Emergency rescue teams utilized the jaws of life to extricate them from the debris.

“Regrettably, both occupants were declared dead at the scene,” lamented Colonel Ledwaba.

“The female passenger, aged 53, has yet to be formally identified by her family.

“However, police retrieved an identity document believed to belong to the deceased from the vehicle.”

The investigation into the cause of the accident remains ongoing.