Police could not confirm reports that a Bosasa executive died in the crash near Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport on Monday.
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Bosasa chief executive officer Gavin Watson died in car crash near OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Monday morning, a company representative confirmed to eNCA.

“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," said Papa Leshabane.

He described the accident scene as horrific.

"It is unfortunately true. It is Gavin Watson who was driving in the car," Leshabane told eNCA.

Watson died when the car he was driving, a company Toyota Corrolla, collided with a bridge pillar near the R21.

Leshabane said the Watson family had identified his body at the mortuary.

“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.”

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 around midday but the wreck had been removed. The pillar the car crashed into, 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.”

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The scene of the accident that claimed the life of an executive of Bosasa.
Image: Supplied
African Global Operations chairperson Johannes Gumede said he had seen news reports but could not confirm details: “We are waiting for the family to confirm.”

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