The death toll from the accident near Mariental has risen to sixteen. 

Two of the deceased were among the seven injured who were rushed to the hospital from the accident scene. 

Of those who died in the hospital, one was a police officer, and the other was from the correctional service. One passed away yesterday evening, while, according to the Ministry of Safety and Security, the other died in the early hours of this morning.

The ministry also expressed concern over the continued circulation of sensitive photographs taken at the accident scene, despite earlier calls to stop this practice. 

Minister Lucia Iipumbu is pleading with the nation to show respect to those who lost their lives in this tragic car accident during this time of grief.

The accident occurred yesterday morning after police and correctional service vans collided head-on.