Mbongeni Ngema’s remains were released to his family after the Eastern Cape’s forensic pathology services completed their post-mortem examination, and the local police also announced that they had launched an investigation into a case of culpable homicide.

By Staff Writer

The forensic pathology services in the Eastern Cape have completed a post-mortem examination on the well-known playwright Mbongeni Ngema, who succumbed to injuries shortly after receiving medical treatment at Adelaide and OR Tambo Memorial Hospital in Mbizana, following a fatal car accident involving a truck on the R61.

As heartfelt messages celebrating Ngema’s life flooded social media, his family received his mortal remains.

According to the Eastern Cape Department of Health, the Ngema family confirmed the identity of his body at the hospital earlier today, on Thursday: “The family identified his body at the hospital earlier today. The department conducted the autopsy and released his body to the family.”

As stated by Nhlanhla Ngema, the appointed spokesperson for the family, the Ngemas are understandably undergoing deep distress and sorrow.

“It is difficult for the family, but we are trying to keep it together. We have been communicating. We are not all in the same place, but we have assigned people to do different things,” explained Nhlanhla.

In the latest updates, the Eastern Cape police have provided additional information about the tragic car accident that resulted in the untimely death of Ngema.

The police have announced that they are investigating a case of culpable homicide following the accident that happened in the Mbizana area at approximately 16:30.

“Police responded to an accident scene on the R61 road between Mbizana and Magusheni and, on arrival, they found three people including the driver in a serious condition. It is alleged a white Renault sedan was driving from Lusikisiki to Durban when they were involved in an accident involving a truck,” explained Lt-Col Siphokazi Mawisa.

“The three people were rushed to hospital for treatment. The deceased, who was one of the passengers, succumbed to his injuries at the hospital and the other two including the driver are still at the hospital.”

Mawisa has indicated that the reasons behind the fatal collision have not yet been determined.