‘We do not know why he was driving to the airport, if it was to catch a flight or if it was to collect someone’
26 August 2019 - 11:51
byGRAEME HOSKEN
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
A mangled vehicle is seen near OR Tambo airport on Monday August 26 2019. Picture: SUPPLIED
Bosasa CEO Gavin Watson died in car crash near OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Monday morning, a company representative confirmed.
“We do not know why he was driving to the airport, if it was to catch a flight or if it was to collect someone. What we do know is that he was alone in the car," Papa Leshabane earlier told TimesLive. He described the accident scene as horrific.
“That car literally disintegrated. There is absolutely nothing left of it. It's smashed into millions of pieces. I can't even begin to imagine what led to this accident.”
Leshabane said in a statement issued just after 1pm: “It is with profound sense of loss and deep sadness that we confirm the passing of Gavin Watson.
Gavin Watson. File photo: TWITTER
“He was involved in a motor vehicle accident around the OR Tambo International Airport this morning. We would like to urge the public and the media to give the family space and time to mourn his passing privately. The family will not be conducting any interviews.”
Watson died when the car he was driving, a company Toyota Corolla, hit a bridge pillar near the R21.
Leshabane said the Watson family had identified his body at the mortuary.
Bosasa was implicated in a string of graft allegations involving the awarding of contracts with the department of correctional services. A TimesLIVE reporter said police and metro officers were on the accident scene at about midday but the wreckage had been removed.
The pillar that the car had collided with, under a bridge, had visible paint marks on it. Broken plastic covers and lights lay scattered on the road.
Police spokesperson Lt-Col Katlego Mogale said: “It is reported that the man was driving into the airport precinct when he allegedly lost control of his vehicle and collided with a concrete pillar holding up a highway bridge.
“The victim was certified dead on the scene by paramedics and a case of culpable homicide has been opened for investigation.”
African Global Operations (formerly Bosasa) chair Johannes Gumede said he had seen news reports but could not confirm details: “We are waiting for the family to confirm.”
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Bosasa boss Gavin Watson killed in car crash
‘We do not know why he was driving to the airport, if it was to catch a flight or if it was to collect someone’
Bosasa CEO Gavin Watson died in car crash near OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Monday morning, a company representative confirmed.
“We do not know why he was driving to the airport, if it was to catch a flight or if it was to collect someone. What we do know is that he was alone in the car," Papa Leshabane earlier told TimesLive. He described the accident scene as horrific.
“That car literally disintegrated. There is absolutely nothing left of it. It's smashed into millions of pieces. I can't even begin to imagine what led to this accident.”
Leshabane said in a statement issued just after 1pm: “It is with profound sense of loss and deep sadness that we confirm the passing of Gavin Watson.
“He was involved in a motor vehicle accident around the OR Tambo International Airport this morning. We would like to urge the public and the media to give the family space and time to mourn his passing privately. The family will not be conducting any interviews.”
Watson died when the car he was driving, a company Toyota Corolla, hit a bridge pillar near the R21.
Leshabane said the Watson family had identified his body at the mortuary.
Bosasa was implicated in a string of graft allegations involving the awarding of contracts with the department of correctional services. A TimesLIVE reporter said police and metro officers were on the accident scene at about midday but the wreckage had been removed.
The pillar that the car had collided with, under a bridge, had visible paint marks on it. Broken plastic covers and lights lay scattered on the road.
Police spokesperson Lt-Col Katlego Mogale said: “It is reported that the man was driving into the airport precinct when he allegedly lost control of his vehicle and collided with a concrete pillar holding up a highway bridge.
“The victim was certified dead on the scene by paramedics and a case of culpable homicide has been opened for investigation.”
African Global Operations (formerly Bosasa) chair Johannes Gumede said he had seen news reports but could not confirm details: “We are waiting for the family to confirm.”
Ramaphosa details interactions with Guptas and Bosasa in Zondo inquiry affidavit
Zille says DA should not have approached protector over Bosasa donation to Ramaphosa
Mkhwebane finds that Ramaphosa ‘deliberately’ misled parliament
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Most Read
Related Articles
Ramaphosa submits Bosasa probe response to Mkhwebane
Bosasa CEO Gavin Watson questioned over tax payments
Bosasa boss Gavin Watson grilled on tax payments
Published by Arena Holdings and distributed with the Financial Mail on the last Thursday of every month except December and January.