THE Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is probing the tragic death of a Checkers Sixty60 delivery driver who was killed in a collision with a South African Police Service (SAPS) van.
Social media has been buzzing as viral video footage showed the man lying dead in the road and his damaged motorcycle in front of a police bakkie with its front crumpled up.
In the footage, mense on the scene in Bellville’s Voortrekker Road can be heard saying that the Police bakkie moved into the wrong lane before hitting the delivery guy.
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.
“Die man (delivery driver) ry hier en hy [the cop] kom van daai baan af en ry binne in die man.”
The police officer is dressed in full uniform and can be seen speaking on the phone, as emergency services attended to the aftermath of the crash.
SAPS spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, confirmed that IPID are investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
And IPID spokesperson Phaladi Shuping told the Daily Voice: “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 this tragedy, the Shoprite Media Team, which oversees the Checkers brand, expressed heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of the deceased.
They said: “The supermarket chain extends its sincere condolences to the family following their loss.
“The safety, health and well-being of our employees, including independent contractors such as delivery drivers, remains a top priority.”