Lotto winner dies in car crash

It is believed Nhlanhla Dlamini, 30, crashed his Mercedes Benz into a bakkie while travelling at a high speed on the R102 on Monday, Zululand Observer reported.

Dlamini, who won R18 million lottery jackpot in 2014, died on impact together with his passenger just after 4:30pm.

The V8 convertible he was driving was crumpled beyond recognition as it rolled multiple times.

Both north- and south-bound lanes were closed for nearly an hour as emergency services worked to clear the scene.

The driver of the bakkie along with two passengers were taken to hospital in a critical condition. They are currently recovering.

While the exact cause of the crash remains subject of police investigation, an eyewitness said Dlamini had been driving at a high speed, overtaking other vehicles just minutes before the crash.

Before hitting the jackpot, Dlamini worked at a Shisa nyama, earning about R10 per customer.

A friend of his described Dlamini as a humble and caring person.

“He was jolly good person with a love for cars who just wanted to drive all the time, listening to music. He was free and humble and always willing to assist anyone who asked for help,” the friend said.

– Caxton News Service