By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
South African Police Service (SAPS) are investigating the circumstances surrounding an accident involving deputy president David Mabuza’s security detail that claimed the life of its member on Sunday.
Police identified the deceased as Warrant Officer Thomas Shongwe.
Shongwe was escorting Mabuza when the backup vehicle he was driving was involved in an accident in Middelburg, Mpumalanga. It appeared that one of the vehicle’s tyres burst, causing the car to overturn.
Mabuza’s motorcade was transporting him from Mpumalanga to OR Tambo International Airport at the time.
Shongwe, 56, from Mbombela, had 31 years of uninterrupted service. He previously worked as a bodyguard for the Mpumalanga premier, before joining the Presidential Protection Service in 2018, said national police spokesperson, Colonel Athlenda Mathe.
He is survived by his wife and three children.
Two other officers were injured in the accident. A 50-year-old captain was still in a critical condition in hospital, and a 44-year-old warrant officer had been discharged, said Mathe.
Mabuza was enroute to catching a flight to Russia when his motorcade was involved in a deadly accident, according to News24.
It is understood Mabuza’s four-day Russian trip was in his personal capacity and part of his frequent travels for medical treatment.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is on a state visit to London, appointed Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga to act as president in his and Mabuza’s absence.