Remembering Simba Mhere: 10 Years since ‘Top Billing’ star’s death

Gone too soon: It’s been 10 long years since the death of ‘Top Billing’ presenter Simba Mbere in a tragic car accident.

It’s been ten long years since the tragic death of Top Billing presenter Simba Mhere.

The bubbly TV personality – who won a presenter search of the now defunct magazine TV show – was killed in a car crash in 2015, alongside his friend, Kady-Shay O’Bryan.

Their vehicle was hit by a speeding motorist.

SIMBA MHERE: 10 YEARS SINCE HIS DEATH
On 31 January 2015, Simba Mhere and Kady Shay O’Brian were killed in a head-on collision with two other cars on William Nicol Drive in Fourways, Johannesburg. The duo – accompanied by Simba’s dad, Joseph, who survived – were en route to OR Tambo Airport to catch an early morning flight.

According to the Sowetan, Preshalin Naidoo – who lost control of his car and was later accused of being intoxicated – was found guilty of two counts of culpable homicide in 2018. He was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment. It’s unclear if he is still behind bars.

The family of Simba accepted the sentencing. Joseph said at the time: “I think it’s appropriate. It won’t bring life back‚ but it sends out the message to road users to take responsibility for what they do on the roads.

Simba Mhere was buried a week after his death at Westpark Cemetary. His funeral service was conducted by the late Rhema Church founder, Ray McCauley, and was attended by Simba’s family and many celebrity friends.

LAST DAYS

According to Simba Mhere’s sister Valerie, the Top Billing presenter hosted a party with all his friends and family just weeks before his death.

During the party, the bubbly star laughed and danced with his pals.

Valerie told IOL: “He was quite adamant about having all his friends over at the house, having a braai. He had never had all his friends over at our house before.”

She added: “The hardest part about Simba being gone is that I don’t have my best friend with me.

“I think it’s something we take for granted while someone is alive, and you realise when they’re gone what a big role they played in your life… I would tell him just how much I love and appreciate him. And I miss him.”

BEST FRIEND TALKS ‘GRIEF’

Meanwhile, a fellow former Top Billing presenter recently paid a touching tribute to Simba Mhere. The duo were known for their TV “bromance.”

Jonathan Boynton-Lee captions an image of his best friend: “Here’s the thing about grief. How lucky we are to have had something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”