Alex Matlala

Alex Matlala

The South African medical fraternity is in shock after the death at the weekend in a car crash of a prominent Limpopo gynaecologist.

Doctor Khazamula Herman Mabina, 52, died when his car veered off the road, overturned and caught fire on the N1 between Bela-Bela and Mookgopong (formerly Naboomspruit) early yesterday morning.

Mabina had just visited his mother and family in Bela-Bela on Saturday night and spent some time with them, police said.

Limpopo provincial police spokesman Superintendent Mohale Ramatseba said though details of the accident were still sketchy, it appeared as if Mabina had lost control and swerved to the side of the road where the car overturned.

Mabina was apparently burnt in the vehicle after it had caught fire. Police are investigating a case of culpable homicide.

Mabina's sister, Maria Maluleke, said that Mabina had visited his mother, Lucy Maluleke, in Bela-Bela at about 9pm and left two hours later.

"Before he left he asked his mother to sit on the couch with him and they had a long chat," Maluleke said. "When it was time for him to leave he kissed his mother and left.

"But a few hours later we received a message that he had been killed."

Mabina worked in public and private practice.

Speaking on behalf of Limpopo MEC for health and social development Seaparo Sekoati, departmental spokesman Phuti Seloba described Mabina as one of the most hard-working, dedicated and skilled doctors in the province.

Seloba said: "The department would like to send its sincere condolences to his family and to the health profession, where he will be sorely missed."

Mabina is survived by his wife Mapitso, five brothers, five sisters, nine children and his mother.