*Story has been updated
Johannesburg – Multi-talented local personality Joe Mafela, who is well-known in the acting and music world, died in a car accident on a Joburg highway on Saturday night at the age of 75.
Joburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) spokeswoman Superintendent Edna Mamonyane said he was travelling alone at the time and was confirmed dead at the scene.
She said the accident happened at around 21:45 on the M1 between Houghton Drive and Oxford Road.
Mamonyane explained that Mafela collided with an Isuzu bakkie which hit his Ford Figo on his left hand side.
“The bakkie then hit the barricade and damaged the rear tyre.”
Joe Mafela's life in pictures
She said that when paramedics arrived at the scene Mafela was found unconcious.
“They tried to revive him but he was declared dead at the scene.”
Mamonyane said that the family travelling in the bakkie were not injured in the collision.
Mafela was also not found with any injuries caused by the accident but Mamonyane said authorities would probe the incident.
“The matter is under investigation.”
As news of Mafela’s death broke, tributes continued to pour in on social media for the renowned actor, writer, producer, director, singer and businessman.
Sad News.. My Uncle Joe Mafela passed on last night. @SowetanLIVE @sundayworld @SAFilmSociety @Penguin_Film pic.twitter.com/s0g9qAEYE6
— Anthony Mafela (@zaaibooconcepts) March 19, 2017
We would like to extend our deepest condolences on the death of legendary actor Joe Mafela. Ulale ngoxolo tata.. #RIPJoe pic.twitter.com/Imv56G4ZKP
— South African Gov (@GovernmentZA) March 19, 2017 We extend our condolences to the family, friends, and fans of ubaba Joe Mafela, the nation has lost a crown jewel of our arts & culture. pic.twitter.com/ccPovqocAa
— Min. Nathi Mthethwa (@NathiMthethwaSA) March 19, 2017 Rest In Peace Joe Mafela. He made us laugh during South Africa's dark past. May we never forget him or his work.
— Khaya Dlanga (@khayadlanga) March 19, 2017 With the legend and icon of TV shows baba Joe Mafela pic.twitter.com/hESnJUR8ls
— JOE CHILEWA #Chilex (@josephchilewa) March 13, 2017 People who you don't know but they're in your memories. RIP Joe Mafela 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/oO2Kb4tdWU
— MaHlanga 👑 (@MissFanti) March 19, 2017 Waking Up to Such a Saddest News: The Legendary 'Ntate' Joe Mafela Passed Away#RIPJoeMafela
— Singo Rotchie (@Rotchiest) March 19, 2017 R.I.P Mkhulu Joe Mafela
AkA Sdumo Mbungulu May his soul Rest in peace
A legend himself A leader is Art A Father
Grand Father
Our hero ❤️ pic.twitter.com/1SoFDArK4A
— #NtsikaRisewtfriends (@TheColossa) March 19, 2017
Although he most recently took on the role of Tebogo Moroka in popular local soapie Generations: The Legacy, he has a career which spans decades.This includes starring roles in local sitcoms 'Sgudi 'Snaysi, Going Up and Madam and Eve.Mafela also dabbled in the music world as his popular hit ‘Shebeleza’ was a theme song during the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations soccer tournament.