Preparations are underway for the funeral service of Public Service and Administration Minister Collins Chabane in his home village of Xikundu outside Malamulele in Limpopo. Chabane will be laid to rest on Saturday.
The former minister and his two protectors, Sergeants Lesiba Sekele and Lawrence Lentsoane died in a collision between the vehicle they were travelling in and a truck on the N1 between Polokwane and Mokopane on Sunday.
The logistics officials from the government have started descending on Xikundu village. They also include defence force members. Graders have also started grading the dusty streets, including the one leading to the gravesite in Xikundu village.
The African National Congress (ANC) Vhembe region will hold its special regional council at Xikundu village also in preparation for the funeral.
A provincial memorial service for the three will be held in Polokwane on Friday. This was said by ANC Provincial Executive Committee member and member of the legislature, Lehlogonolo Masoga. Masoga was speaking outside the Polokwane Magistrate’s court where the driver whose truck collided with the minister’s vehicle appeared on Tuesday.
The provincial memorial service will follow the national one that will be held in Pretoria on Thursday
The truck driver, 29 year-old Amukelani Rikhotso, will be back in court on the 10th of April.
He has been charged with culpable homicide, reckless driving, drunk driving, and driving an unroadworthy vehicle.
Masoga says the provincial memorial service will follow the national one that will be held in Pretoria on Thursday.
“According to the plans from the government, on Thursday there will be a memorial service in Pretoria and on Friday a memorial service will be held in Polokwane led and organised by the ANC. Everybody will then descend to the Vhembe Shikundu village where the funeral will take place on Saturday.”
Masoga adds that the condolence books are available at the premier’s office and the offices of the ANC at Frans Mohlala.
Minister of Social Development Bathabile Dlamini pays tribute to Minister Collins Chabane click below
The truck driver that was involved in the accident appeared in court on Tuesday
President Jacob Zuma says he is saddened by the deaths.
South Africans have also paid their last respects to Chabane’s family
– By Jabulani Baloi
