Alex mourns tragic loss of Joshua Mbatha
The family of Joshua Mbatha had one more opportunity to hear kind words about their late son.
Alex FM, along with the community of Alexandra held a memorial service for their renowned DJ, Joshua Mbatha, at the Sankopano Centre.
Mbatha met his untimely brutal end on his way home from work, when he was mugged and fatally shot on the night of July 14.
Alex community, board members of Alex FM, pastors and the City’s Department of Community Safety paid their respects and tributes to the ‘fallen hero’.
Speaking for the board of Alex FM, chairperson Isaac Mangena described Mbatha as a kind man who was always willing to help others. He exemplified him as ‘a soldier’ for the station and community.
“He wanted what was best for Alex FM, that he joined as a young intern and he wanted only what’s best for the community of Alex,” Mangena said.
Mangena said when he heard of Mbatha’s passing all he could think of was the dreams that he had. “I was shattered, Mbatha was loved by many, and he loved people.”
Mangena stated that this time last year, the station was affected by the looting unrest and Mbatha was at the forefront making sure that the station doesn’t fall apart, but that it gets back to full operation.
City of Johannesburg MMC for Community Safety Cllr David Tembe said it is a bit consoling to know that 18 people were arrested in connection to the crime that led to Mbatha’s death and five other separate crimes.
“I couldn’t help but be shocked at the revelation that amongst those who were caught, were young boys who are 18 years of age.”
“There is something wrong with our society and as government we should introduce programmes and interventions that will help end this,” Tembe added.
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