The ANC has paid tribute to Minister Collins Chabane who was killed along with his driver and bodyguard in a collision with a truck on Sunday morning.
The ANC has expressed shocked and saddened at the “tragic and untimely passing of ANC NEC Member and Minister of Public Service and Administration, Comrade Collins Chabane” who was killed in a car crash on the N1 Polokwane highway on Sunday morning.
Chabane’s driver and bodyguard Sergeants Sekele and Lentsoane also died in the accident which happened in early hours of this morning. “Comrade Collins Chabane and his protectors were fatally injured in a car accident whilst driving between Gauteng and Limpopo,” ANC national spokesperson Zizi Kodwa said in a statement.
“With his incisive mind, sharp wit and easy humour, Comrade Collins’ passing leaves a huge void in the ANC and government. He was a true servant of the people who joined the struggle for liberation at a very young age.
“An ardent and passionate lover of the arts, Comrade Collins was a versatile and personable cadre at home on a marimba as he was in the corridors of power from which he served our people.
“Comrade Collins made an immeasurable contribution in the policy making processes of the organisation,” Kodwa added.
“The ANC sends its condolences to Comrade Collins Chabane’s family, his cabinet colleagues as well as comrades and friends his life’s worked touched. We wish them strength and courage during this difficult time of loss as they attempt to come to terms with the falling of a great baobab tree.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are also with the families and friends of Sergeants Sekele and Lentsoane. May they be comforted in the knowledge that their loss is shared by us all,” Kodwa said.
Meanwhile, a case of culpable homicide was opened against the truck driver involved in the crash, Limpopo police said on Sunday.
“We opened a case of culpable homicide that will be investigated,” said Colonel Ronel Otto.
“He was not arrested. We will investigate and take the dockets to court when it’s finalised for a decision.” The truck driver was not injured in the accident.
“[The accident] took place at round about 1am between Polokwane and Mokopane, about 30km away from Polokwane,” said Otto.
“According to preliminary information the truck was making a u-turn on the highway, when the vehicle carrying the minister crashed into it.”
