Often described as one of the most talented athletes in the South Africa, Josia Bembe, has been cut down in his prime. He died in the KwaMhlanga Hospital in Mpumalanga on Monday following a shooting accident in the early hours of Monday. The 29-year-old’s family released a short statement confirming his
death, and saying he died by his own hand.
A source close to the athlete, who asked not to be named, reported that he shot himself at his in-laws home following a domestic quarrel.
There was no doubt that Bembe had the world at his feet. Not only was he a regular winner on the country’s road running circuit but he also represented South Africa on three different occasions between 2001 and 2003.
In his three marathon races representing his country Bembe fell way short of his potential, only finishing the 2002 Commonwealth Games event in Manchester in eighth place.
He won the Dong A international marathon in Seoul, South Korea, with a personal best time of 2:11:49 — his major achievement.
He also represented South Africa at the 2001 World Marathon Cup in Edmonton, Canada, and at the All African Games in Abuja, Nigeria, last October.
His family confirmed in the statement that no foul play was suspected and that funeral arrangements would be announced at a later stage.
It is believed that Olympic marathon champion, Josia Thugwane (1996) who started a training camp in the Mpumalanga area to cater for athletes like Bembe had mediated at some stage of the domestic dispute.
Bembe is survived by his wife and two children. – Sapa