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Could seatbelt have saved life?

Leaders from all quarters of South African society have paid tribute to businessman Humphrey Khoza, who was killed in a car accident on Friday night.

Leaders from all quarters of South African society have paid tribute to businessman Humphrey Khoza, who was killed in a car accident on Friday night.

But many share the misgivings of Sowetan columnist Justice Malala about whether Khoza was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident, and whether such a safety precaution could have saved his life.

Khoza, 58, known to most South Africans as the head of the national lottery, was killed when he apparently lost control of his car during a storm and hit a signpost at the roadside in Alberton, east of Johannesburg.

He was thrown from the vehicle and died at the scene. Traffic experts say being thrown from a vehicle in an accident "almost always" indicates the person was not wearing a seatbelt.

Among those who hailed Khoza's leadership and business acumen were Uthingo's chief executive Oupa Monamodi; Bongani Khumalo, former head of Transnet and chairman of Gidani; Kuben Pillay, Primedia director; and ANC spokesman Smuts Ngonyama.

An inquiry will be held to determine the precise circumstances of Khoza's death.

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