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Johannesburg – Olympic silver medallist long distance runner Mbulaeni Mulaudzi died in a car accident, South Africa Sport Minister Fikile Mbalula’s office confirmed yesterday.
“The minister of sports and recreation, Fikile Mbalula, MP, has just received the sad news of the untimely death of South Africa’s 800m icon, Mbulaeni Tongani Mulaudzi,” the office said in a statement.
He was 34-years-old.
It is not known where the accident happened. Further information on the long distance runner’s death would be made public once Mbalula had met with the family.
“Mulaudzi, who is the former World Champion… passed on this afternoon in a car accident. Further details of his death will be divulged once the minister has interacted with his family. The minister sends his heartfelt condolences to the family of Mbulaeni Mulaudzi.”
He won the silver medal for the 800 metres in the 2004 Olympics at Athens, as well as gold at the 2009 World Champs and gold at the 2002 Commonwealth Games.
Fellow athlete and Olympic silver medallist Khotso Mokoena, who is a long jumper, took to social media to send his condolences.
“I’ve lost a brother, a friend, a champion! Sad news to my soul! Will miss you my brother! RIP… Death be not proud!!,” he wrote on Twitter. — Sport 24
derick.khumalo