The families of two Friern Barnet women killed in a car crash in South Africa have paid tribute to their kindness and generosity.

Anastasia Salhani, 28, of Colney Hatch Lane, and Mercy Masvikeni, 39, of Bowes Road, died in the collision in Johannesburg in the early hours of September 16 — just hours before they were due to fly home.

It is believed the crash was caused by a trailer coming loose from another vehicle, although police have yet to confirm this.

The friends, who worked together at the Harvester restaurant, in Bowes Road, had been invited to South Africa by the Maluju charity for the launch of a children’s refuge.

Miss Salhani was invited to take photographs and Miss Masvikeni was asked to oversee the work of the charity, which is dedicated to poverty relief among homeless and displaced people in South Africa.

Miss Masvikeni, a native Zimbabwean who had recently recovered from a tough battle with cancer, leaves behind three brothers, Kenneth, John and Graham and her par- ents, Tobias and Aqualine Masvikeni, who live in Zimbabwe.

Kenneth, who lives in South Africa and was driving the car when the collision happened, survived the crash and is recovering in hospital.

John, 35, said: “Mercy was the family’s sweet angel, ever helpful, kind and consider- ate, regardless of her own problems.

“Our family is shattered and will never be the same again.”

Miss Salhani, known to friends and family as Anna, was an aspiring photographer who grew up in Friern Barnet and went to Friern Barnet County School, in Hemington Avenue. She leaves behind her parents, Nicolaos and Androulla Salhani, her brother Stefan, and her boyfriend of five years, Andrew Walker.

Stefan, 35, said: “My sister has been tragically taken from us in South Africa.

“She was a fun-loving, caring individual and enjoyed life to the full — a free spirit who no one could tie down.

“She was my best friend who was there for me no matter what. We will always miss her. She will always be in our hearts and our thoughts.”

Hayley Louison, 28, Miss Salhani’s best friend, said: “Anna was the most gorgeous, loving and caring person I’ve ever known and life will never be the same again.”

Miss Masvikeni was buried in Zimbabwe on Sunday. Arrangements for Miss Salhani’s funeral will be announced soon by Demetriou and English Funeral Directors.