Police investigate as tributes pour in for Thulani

MESSAGES of condolences for Cllr Thulani Mashaba have been issued non-stop across the political spectrum and social media.

Mashaba died in a car crash on Thursday night while travelling home to Richards Bay from Durban. 

MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Willies Mchunu on Friday expressed his ‘deep sadness over the untimely passing’ and said the cause of the accident that claimed Mashaba’s life would be scrutinised.

‘We would like to send our deepest condolences to Comrade Mashaba’s family, friends, the African National Congress in the region and as a whole, the people of UThungulu District Municipality, and South Africa.

‘We are devastated at the loss of Comrade Mashaba, a young and energetic leader with immense potential. As a nation, we are poorer without him.

‘Our law enforcement teams are working on the investigation of the circumstances around the accident.

‘It is clear that the scourge of road accidents calls on all of us to redouble our efforts as individuals and collectively to save lives,’ said Mchunu.

Clear vision

ANC Provincial Secretary, Sihle Zikalala said the passing on of the ANC Musa Dladla Region Chairman had left the entire leadership of the organisation in KwaZulu-Natal ‘reeling in shock’.

‘His untimely passing has robbed the ANC and the entire country of a dedicated leader who had a clear vision of taking the movement and the citizens of this country forward.

‘Our hearts are bleeding heavily and engulfed by sorrow as we remember the good work Cde Mashaba has done as a leader in the ANC.

‘The ANC sends its condolences to the family and friends. All our prayers and thoughts are with them at this dark hour,’ said Zikalala.

Valued member

Democratic Alliance Provincial Leader, Zwakele Mncwango sent the party’s ‘heartfelt condolences’ to the Mashaba family.

‘Thulani was a valued member of the uThungulu community and his loss will be felt by all he leaves behind.

‘The DA would like to extend our wishes of strength and comfort to the ANC and the Mashaba family during this difficult time.’

Police on Friday confirmed a case of culpable homicide had been opened following the crash, although no arrests had been made.

The condition of the bodyguards, who were critically injured and taken to Mediclinic Victoria hospital in Tongaat for treatment, is unknown.

The vehicle Mashaba was travelling in, a BMW X5, was taken to Durban to be scrutinised for evidence to establish the cause of the crash.

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