Mbongeni Ngema, the late Sarafina! song composer died on Wednesday, 28 December at 68-year-old on his way back from attending a funeral service in Mbizana in the Eastern Cape – the South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa has since paid tribute to the late veteran playwright.A family statement announcing Mbongeni Ngema’s death was released on social media on Wednesday evening. It read: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved brother, father, husband, and patriot Mbongeni Ngema… Ngema was killed in a head-on car accident while returning from attending a funeral in Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape. He was a passenger in the vehicle.”
According to TshisaLIVE, the Eastern Cape police said they were investigating a case of culpable homicide after the accident that occurred at about 4.30 pm, allegedly involving a white Renault sedan and a truck.
“The three people were rushed to hospital for treatment. The deceased [Mbongeni Ngema], who was one of the passengers who succumbed to his injuries at the hospital, and the other two including the driver are still at the hospital,” Lt-Col Siphokazi Mawisa was quoted as saying.
Taking to his timeless, the South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa paid tribute to the iconic composer, musician, and actor.
ALSO READ: RIP: Five things to know about ‘Sarafina!’s Mbongeni Ngema
“I offer my sincere condolences to the family, friends, and associates of our cultural stalwart, Mbongeni Ngema, who has lost his life in a vehicle accident. His masterfully creative narration of our liberation struggle honoured the humanity of oppressed South Africans and exposed the inhumanity of an oppressive regime. The many productions he created or to which he contributed inspired resilience and pride among us as fellow South Africans and took South Africa and our continent into the theatres, homes, and consciousness of millions of people around the world. May his soul rest in peace,” Ramaphosa said.MORE ABOUT THE LATE ICON
According to ZiMoja, the Eastern Cape Department of Health confirmed that Mbongeni Ngema’s body was released to his family on Thursday, 28 December. “An autopsy was conducted and his body was released to the family. The body is now en route to KwaZulu Natal,” the department was quoted as saying.