Mbabane: A total of 12 lives were lost in the horrific and spine-chilling accident that happened on Thursday along Mhlaleni-Ngwane Park MR9 road near Mabhodini.
Fifteen Operation Support Service Unit (OSSU) police officers who were headed for work couldn’t reach their work stations as the quantum they were travelling in was involved in a horrific crash with a tipper tuck reportedly loaded with sand.
Eleven police officers passed away, as well as the driver of the truck. Four other officers are currently admitted and are fighting for their lives in hospital. Amongst the 12 dead is one female police officer.
Although the cause of the accident has not yet been formally disclosed by police, it is alleged that the tipper developed mechanical fault and is brake system couldn’t work, hence the driver lost control and crashed head on with the quantum that was ferrying the police officers.
Due to the severity of the impact, onlookers said they heard a big noise and suddenly a huge smoke erupted and the quantum went up in flames.
“It is suspected that the police officers inside the quantum were carrying guns as they were about to report to work, hence after the collision, the guns reportedly exploded and the quantum caught fire”
“The police quantum burned into ashes and some officers who were trapped inside burned beyond recognition”
“Fire personnel were quick to arrive at the accident scene but couldn’t help as some of the officers allegedly died on the spot”, said one of the witnesses.
Confirming the deaths, the National Commissioner of Police, William Tsintsibala Dlamini in a memo directed to all police stations, and headquarters branches said as an organization, they were deeply saddened and extremely sorrowful to announce the death of the 11 officers based at Ngonini Operational Support Services Unit (OSSU).
The memo further reveals that four of the officers who were on board were admitted at RFM Hospital.
Names of the killed officers are as follows: Name (Force Number)
1. Const. Samkeliso Revenger Dlamini (5647)
2. Const. Ncamiso Raymond Sthutha Mavuso (6031)
3. Const. Ndumiso Eric Hlophe (6085)
4. Const. Mhlonipheni Dlamini (6121)
5. Const. Brian Nhlanhla Sacolo (6266)
6. Const. Banele Boy-Boy Manyatsi (8202)
7. Const. Lazarus Bheki Makhanya (8248)
8. Const. Phumlani Bongani Mndzebele (8264)
9. Const. Ciniso Boy-Boy Mhlongo (8621)
10. Const. Mbuso Sotsha Shongwe (8726)
11. Const. Bongiwe Princess (8695)
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