Family mourns loss of beloved Leah

Update Video

GEORGE NEWS & VIDEO - Merely three days after celebrating her 36th birthday, a car accident in the George CBD claimed the life of Elizabeth Mathenjwa, known to all as Leah.

It is believed that Mathenjwa's family was rushing her to hospital in her Toyota Fortuner on Friday 14 August, when they collided with a Toyota Hilux bakkie at the traffic lights on the corner of Meade Street and Nelson Mandela Boulevard (former Albert Street).

"Her passing hit the family like a missile, a bomb. It left a big hole which no one can fill," said her uncle, Bafana Masango.

"She was a high calibre woman of great substance and her death has had a massive impact on her mother, brothers and sisters. She was much loved by everyone and during her employment as HR manager at the George Municipality, Leah added value to the community. May her soul rest in peace, umphefumulo ubuyela kumnikazi owawunikayo."

Municipal Manager Trevor Botha, on behalf of the municipality, offered his deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Mathenjwa.

Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk also expressed sorrow at the tragic loss of life on behalf of the George Council.

Paramedics and emergency personnel on scene on Friday morning.

According to Southern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Chris Spies, the accident happened at approximately 11:00. Mathenjwa was declared dead by paramedics on scene shortly afterwards. "Investigation reveals that the Fortuner was travelling down Nelson Mandela Boulevard towards York Street," he said.

The Fortuner that Mathenjwa was in, overturned and came to a standstill on the side of the road.

"The Hilux collided with the Fortuner on the driver's side when the vehicle overturned and came to a standstill on its side next to the road."

Masango requested that the family be given space and time to mourn Mathenjwa's passing while they are also preparing for her funeral. Funeral arrangements will be confirmed in due course.

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