The body of the late Sarafina! song composer, Mbongeni Ngema has allegedly been released from the mortuary and has been sent to his family – this comes after the acclaimed award-winning artist and South African playwright died earlier this week.

RIP: MBONGENI NGEMA’S BODY SENT BACK TO HIS FAMILY
The 68-year-old iconic veteran playwright, musician, composer, and choreographer who is best known for his work in the award-winning movie Sarafina! died on Wednesday, 27 December in a fatal car accident on his way back from attending a funeral service in Mbizana in the Eastern Cape, Sunday World reported.

A family statement announcing his death was released on social media on Wednesday evening and 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 this evening. He was a passenger in the vehicle.”

 

 

According to ZiMoja, the Eastern Cape Department of Health confirmed that Ngema’s body was released to his family on Thursday, 28 December. On Friday, 29 December, the department was quoted as saying, “An autopsy was conducted and his body was released to the family. The body is now en route to KwaZulu Natal.”

Mbongeni Ngema
TikTok users praised Mbongeni Ngema after seeing him cook liver. Image via Twitter @Gl_lrvchd
MORE ABOUT THE LATE ICON’S UNTIMELY DEATH
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 in the Mbizana area, 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.