South African businessman dies in fatal car crash

Police say an embattled South African businessman mired in corruption allegations died in a fatal car crash Monday in Johannesburg.

Gavin Watson, CEO of African Global Holdings was a former anti-apartheid activist who emerged as a key figure in an ongoing high-profile inquiry into state corruption.

A former colleague accused Watson of being part of a network of alleged corruption and bribery of officials to earn lucrative state contracts for the company. Watson had not yet appeared before the commission of inquiry.

The ruling African National Congress lauded Watson for his activism during the liberation struggle.

Police said Tuesday he was driving near O.R. Tambo International Airport when he appeared to lose control of his car and collided with a concrete pillar.

Watson’s family has called for an independent investigation.