Sergeant Nyiko Lelaka laid to rest after a horrifying accident

The funeral service of the late Sergeant Nyiko William Lelaka (43), attached to Naboomspruit Police Station as a court orderly took place on Saturday.

The Community Hall is filled with members of the SAPS , family, friends, stakeholders, and the broader community as they pay tribute to our fallen hero who lost his life in the line of duty while transporting inmates to Mookgophong Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 14 August 2025.

The service is being officiated by Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, joined by Waterberg District Commissioner Major General Masingi.

Speakers have honoured Sergeant Lelaka’s memory, describing him as a joyful, loving, and kindhearted person who showed compassion to his family, community, and colleagues. He was devoted to his work and served with integrity.

Inmates and sergeant Nyiko Lelaka died after the vehicle they were travelling in overturned outside Mookgopong in Limpopo.

Police Spokesperson Hlulani Mashaba says the van was transporting inmates from Mokopane to Mookgopong for a court appearance.

Mashaba says the injured have been taken to hospital.

He says, “We can confirm as the SAPS (South African Police Service) in Limpopo that there was a horrific accident this morning along Naboomspruit Road where a SAPS member attached to the Naboomspruit Police Station lost his life, as well as four other inmates.”

Mashaba says, “The SAPS member had just collected 11 from Mokopane Police Station to attend court in Naboomspruit.”

“Meanwhile, others were injured and as a result have been taken to the nearby hospital to receive medical attention. Our heartfelt condolences to the family of both the officer and the inmates.”

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.