POLOKWANE – Heads will be bowed and helmets up as family, friends and bikers say their final goodbyes to Molokela ‘Rossi 46’ Modiba at the Lenyenye community hall in Tzaneen on Saturday.

The funeral will start at 06:30.

Molokela died in a motorcycle accident on the R71 road at 15:30 on Sunday afternoon.

The 31-year-old biker, who was a member of the Sapa Yopa Motorcycle Club, was on his way to Tzaneen from a funeral in Mokopane when the accident happened.

WO Malan Nchabaleng, a Mankweng police spokesperson said it is thought that a bakkie crossed the road causing Modiba’s motorcycle to collide with the vehicle.

“The man on the motorcycle was certified dead at the scene. A case of culpable homicide is being investigated by the Mankweng police and no arrests have been made yet,” Nchabaleng said.

Molokela’s mother, Lydia said she will miss her son’s smile, kindness, jolly life and the love he had for his family.

“Moloki was such a good child. He was always loyal and respectful to me and he was always there when I needed him,” Lydia said.

His father, John said he was devastated by his son’s passing.

“I don’t know what life will mean without my son and I will never forget him. May God keep him safe,” John said.

Percy Selokela, Molokela’s wife said her husband was a humble man, who loved his family very much.

“His children meant the world to him. He always smiled. I will always love you my Bamboo,” Percy said.

“My husband was a humble man, who loved his family very much”

A close friend of Molokela, Tshepo ‘Terminator’ Rabothata, also a member of the Sapa Yopa Motorcycle Club, said his friend was a selfless man who could never say “no”.

“He was always happy and smiling. His presence would lighten up the day and if he left you could feel his absence. I remember taking him for his first ride on my bike. I rode so hard and rough because I wanted to scare him, but when we got back and he got off he was very ecstatic. All he said was ‘wow, wow, wow’ I want one. Six months later he was on his own two wheels,” Rabothata said.

He added that Molokela loved his bike.

Saying goodbye to his friend, Rabothata said: “He would go for rides and take selfies with the headline, Me and The Beauty. We will always miss him. Helmet up Rossi 46.”

President of the Sapa Yopa Motorcycle Club, Sarel Nong, said Molokela was an amazing man, who always smiled and made jokes.

“Rossi loved his family very much and he had an open heart. He was always ready to help his community and initiated Sapa Yopa charity events in the Mopani district. He was a strong and respectable biker, who never stepped out of line and made sure that the rules of the club were obeyed on and off the road. We are truly going to miss him,” Nong said.

The Modiba family thanked everyone for the support in their time of grief.

“We really appreciate the love and support that we get from family, friends, and the community. It is very comforting to know there are so many people who cared and loved our son.

It shows what a good man he was, with great character that touched other people’s lives. We will miss you our son,” the family said.

Molokela leaves behind his parents, four brothers, a sister, his wife and two children.

Quotes from family members

From Lehlohonolo your younger brother

Molokela was a good and kind brother to me,he always liked to play music before he sleeps and every time he sees me he always calls me “bra bja” and I respond and say Cooley,he likes to eat and drink too much,I will miss our time of playing play station.

From Lebo your younger bro

My brother Rodney Molokela,you were everything to me,couldn’t have asked more from a brother,am always gonna miss how we used to call each other Cooley due to our love for cold,sweet and fizzy drinks and most I will miss your sense of humour towards me every time I did something something stupid..    To you my brother,ride hard,wish I had the chance to do it with you,now I don’t know who I am gonna support Barcelona with

From your one and only sister (Rakgadi)

Bamba,my ever smiling brother,humble person,jolly and supportive person,I miss you already,I will never forget you,I will miss our time together competing with candy crush and when you always told me to hurry and finish cooking because  ” O tshwere ke tlala ye kgolo”. Rest in peace Kgomo

From big bro and wife

You always made our mother’s house to be full of happiness and laughter, when we visit home we always knew that when we wake up in the morning we will wake up to the sound of your greetings saying “aluuuuuuuu” and we will say Bamba, we will miss you in everyday of our lives..Rest In peace.

Last respects paid to Sapa Yopa Biker