Celebrating the late Mpumelelo Mbatha’s life

Family, friends and fellow comrades filled up the Area J Community Hall in Steadville yesterday (October 13) for Mpumelelo ‘Mpume’ Mbatha’s memorial service.

Mr Mbatha, who was the manager in the Office of the Mayor at uThukela District Municipality, was shot dead by unknown gunmen in his driveway in the Hospital Park area on Wednesday, October 5.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Hlengiwe Ntshiza said that, as family of the deceased, they have forgiven the murderers and are leaving the matter in God’s hands.

ANC members sang “struggle songs” to commemorate the late comrade’s life and service within the movement.

“Police are not working fast enough and they are not able to deliver. The government should deploy an intelligence force that will work faster in capturing the perpetrators,” said Siza Sibande, a friend of the late Mr Mbatha.

Mpume, as he was fondly known, was closing the front gate at his house when he was shot. His daughter was in the house at the time and rushed out to investigate. She immediately called a friend of her dad’s in an attempt to get help.

uThukela Mayor Siphiwe Mazibuko described Mr Mbatha as a hardworking person with dedication and passion. He also stated that the Mayor’s Office has lost a great asset.

Those who knew and were close to Mr Mbatha said he was a loving and caring man who would go out of his way to help people. His family describe him as a family man, a provider, a father and bread winner.

The funeral will be held tomorrow (October 15) at the Indoor Sports Complex, starting at 9am.

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