Former Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates defender, Benson Mhlongo’s wife, Pretty Mhlongo, has passed away.  According to a source close to the situation, Benson is devastated and surrounded by family and close friends.

According to an insider, she passed away at the ICU at Life Fourways, north of Joburg, on Thursday evening.  "After in and out of the emergency, she unfortunately lost the fight," adds the source

Pretty spent about a month at the hospital and according to the source she died peacefully in hospital with Benson and their children by her side.

"When she passed away, Benson was at the hospital to visit her, together with their children. It was as if they knew she was going to pass away," adds the source.

Pretty comes from Mpumalanga province, while Benson is from Alexandra township and they had been together for years.

"Yes she is late,"  Benson says adding that the family is still coming to terms with what has happened. He said that as a family, they take comfort in that she died surrounded by loved ones.

"No funeral arrangements have been made yet. I can’t comment further," said an emotional Benson before hanging up.