Ex-M’sane commander killed in head-on crash
FORMER Mdantsane police cluster commander Major-General William Mbaliso died on Friday when his vehicle collided head-on with another vehicle driven by a pregnant woman.
The 30-year-old woman, who was eight months’ pregnant, was transferred to Life Beacon Bay Hospital but lost her baby as a result of her injuries.
Police spokesman Captain Jackson Manatha said the accident occurred at noon on the N2 near Blue Sky village. Mbaliso was declared dead on the scene. He was 61.
Manatha said a case of culpable homicide had been opened at the Msobomvu police station for invest
Mbaliso retired in February after a police career spanning almost 40 years.
His cousin and family spokesman Dan Quvile said Mbaliso had been travelling from East London to Mthatha in his grey Mazda BT 50 double-cab bakkie when he allegedly tried to overtake a Mercedes-Benz.
It is alleged he first hit the Mercedes before colliding with the blue Toyota Etios.
Quvile said Mbaliso had been thrown from the vehicle on impact.
“He was coming home [Esikhobeni location 40km outside Mthatha] to deal with a family matter. We received a call from police saying he had been involved in accident and that he had passed away,” said Quvile.
The pregnant woman, who was in a critical condition, was first rushed to Butterworth Hospital. Eastern Cape health department spokesman Sizwe Kupelo said she was resuscitated and transferred to Life Beacon Bay.
Bruce Janssens, the regional manager for Life Group BorderKei and Port Elizabeth, said they could not comment on the matter.
However, the Dispatch understands the baby’s life could not be saved. The woman is reportedly in a stable condition.
Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Celiwe Binta and her support team said they were shocked to learn of Mbaliso’s death.
Mbaliso is survived by his wife Nokwanda, a daughter and two sons.
He will be buried in Esikhobeni on Saturday. —