JOHANNESBURG – Top Billing presenter Simba Mhere’s manager has described him as a most extraordinary human being who loved South Africa.

The star died in a car accident in the early hours of this morning while driving on William Nicol Road near the N1 onramp.

A friend travelling in his car was also killed but Mhere’s father survived the crash and was taken to hospital.Mhere’s manager Lorraine Maisel says the 26-year-old was a kind soul, loved unconditionally by those closest to him.

“He was a motivated go-getter, highly intelligent, humble human being who was ready for success. He was a great big, huge teddy bear and never had a bad word to say about anybody and he is going to be sorely missed.”

The JMPD says a driver in a Polo passed over an island near the N1 offramp on William Nicol Road and collided with Mhere’s Mitsubishi. It confirmed that the driver will be charged with culpable homicide and reckless driving.

Meanwhile, organisers of this year’s J&B Met say some of their celebrity guests have already left the event following the news of Simba Mhere’s death.

He was on his way to the OR Tambo airport and he was expected to attend the annual horse racing event in Cape Town today.

The event’s publicist Eddy Cassar says news of his passing has dampened the festivities.

“It’s dampened sentiment here at the J&B Met, all his friends and people he worked with over the years. There are some Top Billing crew here that actually left as it’s not the time to celebrate. It really is terribly sad news.”

Top Billing Executive Producer Basetsana Kumalo says South Africa has lost one of its great talents with the death of presenter Simba Mhere.

“As a Top Billing family, we are very  devastated at the passing of Simba. He was an incredible human being, a gentle soul. He was fun-loving, he loved his work, a truly hard working individual and he was always just a delight and a pleasure to be with.”

Mhere rose to fame after winning a Top Billing presenter search in 2010.

“His family, together with South Africa are mourning the loss of a great talent who came into our lives at the Top Billing presenter search.”

Details are still sketchy at this stage, but the public broadcaster along with some South Africans have expressed their shock on social media platforms Twitter and Facebook.

Picture Credit: Unrestricted Living