| 2025/01/09 |
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Media Statement
HEILBRRON – It is with profound sadness that we confirm the tragic passing of a Sergeant Thabiso Andries Mareletse (45) in a vehicle accident during the early hours of this morning. The incident occurred at approximately 02:35 on the Heilbron-Edenville road (R34), about 15 kilometres from Heilbron, in the Free State. The sergeant, the driver of a police bakkie, succumbed to his injuries at the scene. His crew, Constable Bongani Jefrey Xanko (31) sustained serious injuries and was taken to a hospital for medical attention. Preliminary investigations indicate that the officers, attached to Heilbron Visible Policing, were actively pursuing a suspect in a white Nissan Sentra, suspected of being involved in a possible stock theft case. During the high-speed chase, the driver lost control, the vehicle left the road and overturned. The members were on official duty, in full uniform, at the time of the incident. “We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Sergeant Mareletse during this difficult time. It is indeed a sad beginning of the year, losing three members in the line of duty already in such a short period of time. We also wish Constable Xanko a speedy recovery,” said the Provincial Commissioner of the Police in the Free State, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane. Ends
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