Simba Mhere crash driver up for homicide

THE driver of a vehicle that crashed into television presenter Simbarashe "Simba" Mhere's car causing his death will be charged with culpable homicide, Johannesburg Metro Police said on Saturday.

The accident happened along William Nicol Drive after 5am, said spokesperson Superintendent Edna Mamonyane.

"A VW Polo that had got off the N1 in Fourways, crossed over the middle island and crashed into Simba's side. Simba was driving and the strong impact killed Simba and a passenger seated upfront," said Mamonyane.

A third passenger in the car and the Polo driver were taken to hospital. Mamonyane said.

Metro police officers said they could not see any visible injuries or bleeding on the Polo driver at the hospital.

The SABC said on Saturday that Mhere will be remembered for his ability to captivate an audience.

"He'll be remembered mostly by his ability to captivate Top Billing audiences by his powerful voice, liveliness and an unforgettable infectious smile," spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said in a statement.

"He's shown great commitment and performed his duties diligently as expected of him with so much zeal."

Mhere became presenter of television show Top Billing on SABC 3 after winning a presenter search in 2010.

Kganyago said he beat out thousands of people to win the contest. "Mhere came victorious out of thousands of entries of young people who entered the competition countrywide. He's since won the hearts of the old and young people alike," he said..