POLOKWANE – THE driver of the truck that was involved in the collision that claimed the lives of public service and administration minister Collins Chabane and his two bodyguards, sergeants Lesiba Sekele and Frans Lentsoane, cried uncontrollably in the Polokwane magistrate’s court on Tuesday when he made eye contact with the bereaved families of the victims.
Amukelani Rikhotso (30) from Giyani faces three counts of culpable homicide and one of driving under the influence of alcohol.
His attorney, Erwin Sethole from Bushbuckridge, requested magistrate Mohammed Shaik to give him more time to prepare for his client’s bail application. Shaik obliged and postponed the case to April 10.
Shortly after the postponement, Musa Chabane, speaking on behalf of the Chabane family, said the devastated family was gradually coming to terms with his untimely death. “We appreciate the support we are getting from the public, the ANC and its alliance. We are looking forward to the next court hearing,” he said.
On Monday people gathered in Polokwane at the ANC’s headquarters Frans Mohlala House, to express their condolences.
Francinah Sekele spoke on behalf of the Sekele family from Mashashane village and said the family had relied on Sekele, especially his mother, who was a diabetic and suffered from hypertension. She said Sekele had always looked after his mother, and had paid for her medication. “The family is devastated by his death,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the Lentsoane family from Marishane, Frans Lentsoane said they were devastated by the death and they did not know what to say and what not to say at a time like this.
Chabane’s friend, Jonas Tshikundamalema, said he met Chabane some 15 years ago and they became friends. “His death is like a thorn piercing an open wound,” he said.
Black Leopards boss David Thidiela said Chabane used to attend even Lidoda Duvha’s small events. “He was humble and able to interact with everyone. You couldn’t see that he was a minister. We were like family friends,” Thidiela said.
ANC Youth League provincial task team spokesperson, Onica Moloi, said Chabane was counted amongst the few icons of the revolution in South Africa, and had been instrumental to the country’s transformation. “He remains one of the exemplary leaders of the ANC, upon whom young people could look to for political solace. “He was one of president Jacob Zuma’s dependable members of Cabinet. His death leaves a huge void in the ANC and the South African government,” she said.
ANC Women’s League provincial spokesperson, Joyce Maluleke said Chabane’s contribution to the democratisation of South Africa would never be forgotten. “The country has been robbed of a political protagonist of our struggle who was also arrested and went to Robben Island just like Nelson Mandela. He will also be remembered for his humility and love for music as an artist and producer,” she said.
Premier Stanley Mathabatha said it would take time for his memory to erase what he saw at the accident scene on Sunday morning.
He said people normally said there was no comrade who was irreplaceable, but he doubted if this comrade was one who could be replaced.
“He was unique and could solve any problem in the party without showing any anger. We got a lot of inspiration from him. He was a leader, strategist, a hard worker and someone who was fast to show leadership skills. We are still shocked, devastated and our hearts are bleeding. It will take us time to recover.
“We are also mourning with the Sekele and Lentsoane families,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of Zuma, minister in the presidency, Jeff Radebe, said Zuma, the South African government and its people extended their sincere condolences.
“As a dedicated serving minister, he will be accorded a special official funeral, on Saturday March 21 at Xikundzu village in Malamulele,” he said.
Chabane is survived by his wife Mavis, and his two children.
