Police found Mulaudzi (34) in a silver Toyota Yaris on the old Ogies Road (R555). He still had his safety belt on.
It is estimated that the accident happened at 02:00.
It seems that Mulaudzi lost control of his vehicle on a curve and it rolled several times.
The post-mortem, conducted by Dr Karel Block on Tuesday, October 28, revealed that the runner suffered severe head injuries.
Condolences from everywhere streamed in after the sad news was made public.
“The nation has lost a true hero and one of our most disciplined and talented athletes who flew the South African flag across the sporting globe,” said President Jacob Zuma.
South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) said Mulaudzi’s legacy would live on forever.
Mulaudzi won the silver medal for the 800 metres in the 2004 Olympics at Athens, as well as gold at the 2009 World Champs and gold at the 2002 Commonwealth Games.
He was the flag bearer for South Africa at the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics in Athens and he became South Africa’s first black athlete to be ranked number one in the world.
His list of achievements also includes titles at the World Championships, World Indoor Championships and the African Championships.
A heartbroken Ms Arinao Murivhani, a friend who was with Mulaudzi prior to the accident, said they were at Rhapsody’s where they had a bite to eat. She said they left the restaurant late the evening after which Mulaudzi dropped her off at home. He then used her Toyota Yaris to drive back to buy more food.
Between the sobs she mumbled, “My life is falling apart.”
Ms Khakhu Mulaudzi, the athlete’s eldest sister, said the family had still not come to terms with the accident.
“My brother was a humble man, so focussed on what he loved the most, his running,” she said.
“Our anchor has been ripped out. He was the only son, we looked up to him. I have lost a bigger part of myself,” she continued.
The R555 is not a new kid on the block when it comes to tragic accidents.
This year alone the police attended three fatal accidents on the same curve.
On October 15, only a week prior to Mulaudzi’s death the Democratic Alliance (DA) launched a petition in response to desperate calls from communities around this area on the deterioration of this road.
Ms Jane Sithole, Member of the Provincial Legislature and spokesperson for Public Work, Roads and Transport said the DA has been calling on the Provincial Government to repair this road for the past five years.
“Ignoring this road further is a slap in the face of the people who find themselves on this road daily.”
Mulaudzi’s funeral will take place on Saturday, November 1 at 06:00 at Mubuluni in Limpopo.
He leaves behind his parents, Mukondeleli and Sarah Mulaudzi, his 12-year-old son Nulisa, his three sisters Khakhu, Shonisani and Fuli and also three nieces.
