Thate Msimango
Mzameleni Mthembu, an athlete who participated in the Comrades Marathon on Sunday, has lost his life in hospital.
A statement released by his club, Hollywoodbets Athletics, said Mthembu collapsed in the Pinetown area before being transferred to hospital where he passed away.
“Hollywoodbets Athletics Club athlete Mzamo Mthembu from the Toti branch had complications along the route and collapsed in Pinetown and was taken to Westville Hospital where he sadly lost his life,” the statement read.
KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA) vice-president Mandla Mngomezulu confirmed the news.
“We are devastated by the passing of Mzameleni Mthembu last night. It is one of those situations we don’t wish for,” said Mngomezulu.
“We would like to send condolences to his wife, children, and close relatives who have been affected by his passing,” Mngomezulu said.
Mngomezulu and Mthembu share a bit of the history as both at one stage were running for eThekwini Athletics Club.
Mngomezulu described the 42-year-old from Amanzimtoti as a person with a great sense of humour.
He said he and Mthembu both came from Pongola, KZN.
“Once I heard that it was so easy for us to become friends,” he said.
“He was a guy who was always laughing and cracking jokes. He was well-built and loved running with all of his heart. As the athletics family we have lost one of our servants,” the KZNA vice-president said.
Image source: @HollywoodbetsAthleticsClub
