Former Johannesburg mayor, Mpho Moerane, who was injured in a car crash, has died at the Milpark Hospital.
Giving an update on the former mayor’s condition on Wednesday evening, family spokesperson Mike Maile said “Moerane passed away this evening”.
The former Johannesburg mayor had been hospitalised for just over a week after the crash.
“The Moerane family is extremely saddened and disappointed over the untimely demise of their son, husband and father, Mpho Moerane, following his involvement in a motor vehicle accident,” said Maile.
“Moerane was admitted at the Intensive Care Unit section where he received maximum medical expert treatment, support and care around the clock for injuries he sustained.
“He sadly did not respond positively to treatment and with heavy hearts and deep sorrow, we confirm we lost our beloved Mpho this evening (17:54) and his passing has deeply pained us.”
“We appeal that at this moment, his family be afforded the time and space to reflect and reconcile on overcoming this tragedy.”
Earlier on Wednesday Maile said Moerane’s condition had not changed from last night. “We are speaking to the doctors … they are doing their best.”
On Tuesday night the African National Congress (ANC) and Moerane’s family dispelled rumours doing the rounds that the former mayor had succumbed to his injuries.
However, Moerane’s health took a turn for the worst and he passed away on Wednesday.
Moerane was elected mayor of Johannesburg in October last year after the death in a car crash of then-incumbent Jolidee Matongo.
Matongo had served as the mayor of Johannesburg from 10 August 2021 until his death on 18 September 2021.
Matongo was elected mayor after his predecessor Geoff Makhubo succumbed to Covid-19 earlier in July 2021.
Moerane was mayor for about a month before he was ousted when his party the ANC lost control of Johannesburg after the local government elections.
Moerane, who is survived by his wife Fikile, four kids, mother and siblings, had been expected to contest for a top position at the imminent ANC regional conference.
