The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is probing the death of a Checkers Sixty60 delivery driver who was killed in a collision with a SAPS van.
Social media has been abuzz as viral video footage shows the man lying dead in the road with his damaged motorcycle in front of the police van.
In the footage, people on the scene in Bellville's Voortrekker Road can be heard saying that the bakkie moved into the wrong lane before hitting the man on the motorcycle.
A woman asks the officer: "Why did you overtake? What was the reason?"
A man’s voice can be heard saying: “Why did you come that way? The man (delivery driver) was driving here and he (the cop) came from that lane and drove into the man."
The police officer is dressed in full uniform and can be seen speaking on the phone, as emergency services attend to the aftermath of the crash.
Police spokesperson, Joseph Swartbooi, said the circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated by Ipid.
Ipid spokesperson Phaladi Shuping advised that further details cannot be released yet as the investigation is still under way.
Shuping said: “The incident was reported to Ipid and the matter is currently under investigation. We can only confirm issues relating to the accident once we are done with the investigation."
In response to the tragedy, the Shoprite Media Team, which oversees the Checkers brand, expressed condolences to the loved ones of the deceased.
They said they are unable to comment further on the details surrounding the incident since it is part of an ongoing police investigation.
A statement reads: “The supermarket chain extends its sincere condolences to the family following their loss. We cannot comment on the details surrounding the incident as it is a police matter and the local SAPS should be contacted for more information. The safety, health and well-being of our employees, including independent contractors such as delivery drivers, remains a top priority. Drivers receive extensive and regular training which covers advanced driving skills, defensive and anti-hijacking techniques, safety protocols and accident procedures.”
Cape Argus
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