/ 1 February 2015

Simba Mhere: Driver to be charged with culpable homicide

Television presenter Simbarashe "Simba" Mhere.
Television presenter Simbarashe "Simba" Mhere.

The driver of a vehicle that crashed into that of television presenter Simbarashe “Simba” Mhere would be charged with culpable homicide, Johannesburg Metro Police said on Saturday.

The accident happened along William Nicol Drive after 5am, said spokesperson Superintendent Edna Mamonyane. “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 seated upfront,” said Mamonyane. 

Mhere and one passenger died on the scene. A third passenger in the car and the Polo driver were taken to hospital. Mamonyane said: “The Polo driver will be charged with culpable homicide and reckless and negligent driving. Metro police officers said could not see any visible injuries or bleeding on the Polo driver at the hospital.”

Meanwhile, the SABC said on Saturday that Mhere will be remembered for his ability to captivate an audience.

“He will be remembered mostly by his ability to captivate Top Billing audiences by his powerful voice, liveliness and an unforgettable infectious smile,” spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said in a statement. “He has shown great commitment and performed his duties diligently as expected of him with so much zeal.” 

Mhere became presenter of television show Top Billing on SABC 3 after winning a presenter search in 2010. Kganyago said he had beat out thousands of people to win the contest. “Mhere came victorious out of thousands of entries of young people who entered the competition countrywide. 

“He has since won the hearts of the old and young people alike.” 

The University of Johannesburg on Saturday sent their condolences to Mhere’s family. “It is with heartfelt regret that we learned about the passing of “Simba” Mhere,” head of the UJ Alumni Network Nandi Madadasana said in a statement. “He was an inspirational young talent that captured the hearts of many.” Mhere studied toward a Bcom accounting degree at the university and became one of UJ’s Alumni Network Goodwill Ambassadors. – Sapa