Johannesburg – Politicians and Joburg City officials descended in large in numbers at the accident scene last night following the sudden death of recently appointed mayor Jolidee Matongo.
Matongo was yesterday killed in a head on collision as he was returning from the registration campaign in Soweto, where he accompanied President Cyril Ramaphosa and Gauteng Premier David Makhura.
The accident happened at around 7:30 on Saturday evening. Matongo’s body was still trapped in his BMW X5 at 11pm, even though there were a number of emergency personnel and police at the scene.
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Joburg City chief of staff, Ruby Mathang was among those who were descended on the scene. Others include Speaker Nonceba Molwele as well as some of party’s Gauteng bigwigs and business people.
Matongo and the deceased pedestrian’s bodies were removed from the scene at 11:20pm by a government mortuary van.
Bystanders said the accident happened when a pedestrian attempted to cross the road, causing Mantongo’s official car to sway from the road in an attempt to avoid a possible running over the pedestrian.
Matongo was recently elected mayor of the City of Joburg.
The accident happened at around 7:30 on Saturday evening.
Matongo’s body was still trapped in his BMW X5 at 11pm, even though there were a number of emergency personnel and police at the scene.
Sunday World saw Joburg City chief of staff, Ruby Mathang and the Speaker Nonceba Molwele among others also arrive at the scene with the Gauteng ANC officials and business also in arriving.
Matongo and the deceased pedestrian’s bodies were taken from the scene at 11:20pm by the government mortuary van.
Shocked bystanders said that this accident happened when a pedestrian attempted to cross the road which resulted in a head on collision.
Matongo’s two bodyguards were rushed to hospital after they suffered serious injuries. It is understood that they remain critical.
At the scene, the road was cordoned off from the road leading to N1 and Lenasia South BP garage.
It is understood that Matongo died from concussion as he was seated at the back of the car and it is alleged that he did not have his seat belt on.
Both vehicles were mangled and squashed.
Speaking at the scene of the accident, Joburg Metro Police spokesperson Wayne Minnaar confirmed that this head on collision also involved a pedestrian.
Luxury cars descended on the scene and fire truck and ambulances including an entourage of Metro Police vehicles were at the accident spot with emergency lights flashing.
The scene was not cleared towards midnight. Many bystanders remained visibly shocked and in disbelief that this accident has just claimed the life of the mayor.
Matongo’s two bodyguards are said to have suffered seriously injuries.
It is understood that they remain critical in hospital following this fatal accident.
The road was cordoned off from the road leading to N1 and Lenasia South BP garage.
It is understood that Matongo died from concussion as he was seated at the back of the car and speculation is already swirling around that he did not have his seat belt on.
Both vehicles were mangled and squashed.
Speaking from the scene, Joburg Metro Police spokesperson Wayne Minnaar confirmed that a head on collision also involved a pedestrian.
Luxury cars descended on the scene and fire trucks and ambulances including an entourage of Metro Police vehicles were at the accident spot with emergency lights flashing.
The scene was not cleared towards midnight.
View some of the images from the accident scene below:
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