South African Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Bavelile Hlongwa has died in a car crash, South African government confirmed on Friday.

The department’s director-general did not provide details but said in a statement: “It is with great sadness to inform you about the sudden death of Bavelile Hlongwa. She died in an accident today [Friday], September 13 2019. Details to be made available as time progresses.

Hlongwa joined the department of Mineral Resources and Energy after the elections on appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa into his Cabinet.

Hlongwa had served as a member of the National Youth Development Agency board for a few years.

Hlongwa joins a list of South African politicians who have been killed in car accidents in recent years.

Former Minister of Public Service and Administration Collins Chabane died in a car crash in Limpopo in 2015.

Ex-deputy minister of health Molefi Sefularo also died in a car accident in 2010.