Video of Mbongeni Ngema before the tragic accident

A black cloud of death once again hung over South Africa on Wednesday after it emerged that its own playwright and theatre icon Mbongeni Ngema lost his life in a collision while returning from a funeral in Lusikisiki. The accident occurred on the R61 in Bizana towards Magusheni, involving Ngema’s vehicle and a truck.  

The icon’s last public appearance 

A video was shared on the Twitter platform by the SABC news Foreign Editor, Sophie Mokoena via her handle of the late music icon speaking at the funeral, before the accident that claimed his life .It was regarded as the deceased’s last public appearance before the tragic accident. 

In accordance with the report by AlgoaFM News , the Eastern Cape Transport Department revealed that Ngema was in a car with two occupants, and all three suffered severe injuries. Sadly, the male passenger, Mbongeni succumbed to his injuries upon arrival at the OR and Adelaide Tambo Memorial Hospital in Mbizana. The truck’s occupants, were fortunate enough to  escape unharmed. 

The circumstances leading to the tragic accident of Mbongeni Ngema

The Transport Department spokesperson Unathi Binqose stated that the circumstances leading to the crash were unknown, but  a case of culpable homicide had been initiated for further investigation at Bizana Saps.

The news of Ngema’s untimely passing  triggered an outpouring of tributes. Renowned movie producer Anant Singh, expressed  shock and sadness over the sad news .He recounted a 36-year friendship with Ngema, starting at the Market Theatre during SARAFINA’s run.

Singh reminisced about their global travels, including significant moments like SARAFINA!’s world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in 1992, where the film earned a 20-minute standing ovation.This incident served as a painful reminder of how fragile life is . As tributes continue to pour in, the loss of this icon left a void in the entertainment industry. 

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