Television presenter Simbarashe “Simba” Mhere died in a car accident near OR Tambo International Airport on Saturday, the SABC reported.
SABC’s SAfm News reported that the Top Billing presenter was killed in the early hours of the morning.
Lorraine Maisel, from Mhere’s publicity company, paid tribute to the 26-year-old Mhere, Sapa reported.
“He was going places. I saw him on Thursday… Simba was a gentle, kind and loving person,” Maisel told the broadcaster.
Breaking news: Simba Mhere died in a car accident in the early hours of this morning in Johannesburg. #SABCnews
— SAfm news (@SAfmnews) January 31, 2015
As stated on Top Billing, Simba Mhere was born on the 29th of October 1988. Originally from Zimbabwe with missionary parents. Mhere became a Tv sensation when he won Top Billing Presenter Search in 2010.
The Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) has confirmed that Mhere was travelling on William Nicol Road near the N1 when he collided with a VW Polo and a Mazda.
The JMPD have confirmed that the driver of the VW Polo will be charged with reckless driving and culpable homicide.
Social media is abuzz, with many reacting to the situation:
MAY YOUR SOUL REST IN PEACE SIMBA MHERE #RIPSIMBA pic.twitter.com/06BmHRwWiw
— ELTEEZY E (@EltonnickTME) January 31, 2015
The nicest and most genuine people always seem to be the ones who leave us behind on this earth… Still in shock. RIP Simba Mhere
— robertmarawa (@robertmarawa) January 31, 2015
One of the great personalities we interviewed, we are saddened by his passing. Our condolences to his family and friends #SimbaMhere
— Metrosmag,SouthAfric (@metrosmagSA) January 31, 2015
We are expecting the statement from the SABC but in the ArriveAlive twitter page has released the following images :
@Abramjee @JMPDSafety @ewnreporter we received these pics from William Nicol this morning pic.twitter.com/5s9dcsORc2
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) January 31, 2015
@Abramjee @JMPDSafety @ewnreporter we received these pics from William Nicol this morning pic.twitter.com/mGvkivEU9G
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) January 31, 2015
@Abramjee @JMPDSafety @ewnreporter we received these pics from William Nicol this morning pic.twitter.com/znOZmKyg2F
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) January 31, 2015
