Hunt for clues after blast

The burnt-out shells of two trucks stood like ghosts near a crater on the road - caused by an explosion after the two vehicles collided on the N1 between Polokwane and Mokopane, Limpopo, just after midnight yesterday, killing a driver and four policemen.

Forensic experts were still combing the scene for clues late yesterday afternoon.

According to the police, a grocery truck rammed into one carrying explosives .

It is believedthe driver of the grocery vehicle was trapped inside the vehicle. The police officers, who were nearby, rushed to the scene to assist him.

At that moment, the explosives truck driver and his assistant jumped out of their vehicle and warned the police officers to escape.

While the policemen were apparently still trying to figure out why the two men were fleeing, the truck exploded, instantly killing the officers and the grocery truck driver.

Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa and national Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega visited the scene of the tragedy yesterday and tried to console family members.

Mthethwa promised that the SA Police Service would "do everything to extend support to the bereaved families" up until the funerals of their loved ones.

"We acknowledge that death is death but this one is very difficult to deal with. However, we will be with the families of the victims through and through," Mthethwa said.

Police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Ronel Otto identified the dead policemen as Warrant Officer LJ Mafani, 47, and constables MR Moloto, 38, ML Setlaku, 37, and MJ Mahlokoane, 35.

They were all members of the Polokwane highway patrol unit.

The name of the dead truck driver was still not known at the time of going to press.

Otto said three other police officers were injured in the explosion.

Their condition was said to be "serious but stable".

Minister of Transport Dipuo Peters said: "Safe carriage of dangerous material on our roads must at all times be uppermost in the minds of those responsible."

Peters said the accident would be investigated.