GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - In a tragic incident earlier today, 24 May, two police officers lost their lives while another officer and two detainees sustained injuries following an accident involving a police van on the R63 road between Somerset East and Graaff-Reinet.

Unathi Binqose, spokesperson for the Department of Community Safety in the Eastern Cape, provided the details of the accident. According to Binqose, the vehicle was transporting three officers and two detainees when it experienced a tyre burst.

This sudden mechanical failure caused the van to roll several times.

"Tragically, two male officers died at the scene," reported Binqose. "The third officer, a female, sustained serious injuries and was transported to Midlands Hospital for medical attention. Both detainees, who are male, also sustained injuries and were taken to the same hospital."

Eastern Cape's Department of Community Safety has extended its condolences to the families of the deceased officers and has pledged support to the injured officer and detainees during their recovery.

In light of the accident, authorities have opened a case of culpable homicide as investigations continue into the exact circumstances surrounding the tyre burst and subsequent crash.

The Police vehicle landed on its side. Photo: Police