Tributes pour in for Simba

Simba Mhere, a Top Billing presenter and MC, was killed in a car accident in Johannesburg.

Simba Mhere, a Top Billing presenter and MC, was killed in a car accident in Johannesburg.

Published Feb 1, 2015

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Johannesburg - The driver of the car that crashed into Top Billing presenter Simba Mhere will be charged with culpable homicide, reckless and negligent driving, police said on Saturday.

Mhere, 26, and another passenger died after a horrific crash. His father, and the driver of the other car are in hospital, said Joburg Metro Police spokeswoman Superintendent Edna Mamonyane.

She said the accident took place along the William Nicol Drive after 5am. “A VW Polo that had got off the N1 in Fourways, crossed over the middle island and crashed into Simba's side. Simba was driving and the strong impact killed Simba and a passenger sitted upfront,” said Mamonyane

Transport minister Dipuo Peters sent condolences to the families.

Tributes flowed on Saturday after news of the death of Mhere, a popular Top Billing presenter and MC, filtered through the entertainment industry. Fellow presenter and Metro FM talk radio host Majota “Phat Joe” Kambule said he was devastated and had yet to come to terms with the news. “I had my show this morning, went to buy groceries then took a nap, so only saw the messages coming in around noon. We had him on the show about a week ago and he was always laughing and joking,” said Kambule.

Mhere joined Top Billing in 2010 after winning the presenter contest.

Luthanto Shosha, presenter of the SABC Friday evening music show, Live AMP, said: “I’m extremely shocked by the news because he was one of the good ones. You know, when they say the good ones go first, this is what it means.”

She described Mhere as a gentle person. “I can’t imagine how his family and friends are feeling. He has inspired so many kids with his from-nothing-to-something story,” said Shosha.

 

It is believed there were three people in the car, including Simba’s father and an unidentified woman.

Simba and the woman are said to have died on the spot and his father was seriously injured.

Sunday Independent

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