Staff Reporter
MEC for the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA) in the Northern Cape, Bentley Vass, has extended condolences to the families of the three firefighters from the Ga-Segonyana Local Municipality, who lost their lives in the horrific road accident on Friday, 12 June 2026.
The firefighters, Baleseng Masilo, Obakeng Thakadu, and Tshepo Mokhutsane, were occupants of a municipal fire and rescue vehicle that collided with a bus on the TM Tlhabane Road while they were actively responding to an emergency veldfire.
Vass has extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, friends, and the entire emergency services fraternity during this incredibly dark period.
“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the tragic loss of these three brave frontline workers,” said MEC Vass.
“They made the ultimate sacrifice while executing their duties to protect the lives, properties, and environment of the Ga-Segonyana community.
“To lose public servants of this calibre while they were actively rushing to answer a call for help is a profound tragedy that shakes our entire province.
“As a department and a provincial government, we highly honour their courage, service, and unyielding commitment to public safety.”
Vass emphasized that the heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the invaluable, yet highly perilous, role played by disaster management personnel and municipal workers across the Northern Cape.
He wishes a speedy and full recovery to all who sustained injuries during the accident and commends the Ga-Segonyana Local Municipality for providing immediate administrative support to the families and cooperating fully with law enforcement authorities as the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident continues.
“We pray that the families, friends, and colleagues of our fallen heroes find strength, comfort, and peace during this painful time of mourning. Their names will be remembered with the highest honour in the archives of our provincial disaster management services.
“May their souls rest in eternal peace.”
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