Two South African police officers were killed after being run over by a speeding car at a Covid-19 roadblock-meant to restrict unnecessary movement during the national lockdown in the country.

The culprit is reported to have been heavily under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident. The unfortunate incident occurred on Friday night in Free State, South Africa, TimesLive reports.

Speaking to the publication, police spokesperson Brig Vishnu Naidoo, revealed that the now deceased,  who were stationed at Deneysville had been inspecting a truck that they had stopped when the alleged drunk driver plowed through the roadblock.

‘A driver who was allegedly heavily under the influence of alcohol hit the policemen, despite them being attired in reflector jackets,’ said police spokesperson Brig Vishnu Naidoo.

The driver of the vehicle was arrested and faces charges of culpable homicide, driving under the influence of alcohol and the contravention of the regulations under the Disaster Management Act for failing to stay home during the lockdown.

National police commissioner Gen Khehla Sitole also confirmed the development and sent his condolences to those survived by the two officers.

‘We trust that the man responsible for their deaths, who is currently behind bars, will be served with a deserving punishment if convicted,’ he said in the statement
‘The untimely passing of our two colleagues is indeed a bitter pill to swallow.’
‘We trust that the man allegedly responsible for their deaths and who is currently behind bars, will be served with a deserving punishment if convicted.’