THE Pearl of Africa Rally was tragically ended with the death of the two time Champion Riyaz Kurji, when he was involved in an accident.

Kurji died in Malangala village, Mityana District after his car careered off the road hit an anthill and a tree. The rally was immediately called off. At the time, Kurji was leading the race.

The cause of the accident could not immediately be establishrd but an eye witness said the E A Raly  champion may have lost control of his Subaru Imprezza N10. Kurji is said to have sustained facial and body injuries and died minutes after the accident. His navigator survived with minor injuries.