MUKULA - The Department of Agriculture in Limpopo has expressed its heartfelt condolences to the families of five officials who lost their lives in a head-on collusion, involving two trucks.

The accident occurred at the Mukula road from Mutale to Thohoyandou last Friday. According to a departmental spokesperson, Mr Phuthi Seloba, their truck was transporting twenty-four officials from Mutale to Hlanganani via Thohoyandou, to load bricks for the construction of guardhouses at red line zones, as part of control for the prevention of the spread of the foot and mouth disease.

At the time of going to press, seventeen officials have been admitted at Donald Frazer Hospital while two were transferred to the Polokwane Provincial Hospital.

"This is a great loss not only to the bereaved families, but also to us as a department and the community. Their dedication and commitment will not only be missed by the provincial government alone, but by the whole South Africa," said Seloba.