Waste worker dies tragically

For Emalahleni City Council the tragic death of a waste worker came as a shock to many as he was like family to the council.

Mr Mxolisi Albert Soko (35) who was employed as a waste worker in Ga-Nala for the Emalahleni City Council died tragically in a freak accident.

Mr Mxolisi Albert Soko (35).

Soko came to eMalahleni to help on Friday, March 18 with the backlog of waste removal here.
While on duty in the evening hours, the municipal rubbish removal truck was busy.
The accident happened at approximately 18:30 in eMalahleni, when Soko was bumped then allegedly driven over by the municipal truck.

Langamed Emergency Services arrived on scene and stabilised Soko. He was rushed to Life Cosmos Hospital for treatment as he sustained serious injuries.
Soko was admitted into the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) that evening where he was placed on life support.
The following day at approximately 10:30 the Soko family received the news that he had succumbed to his injuries.
Ms Phindle Soko, Soko’s sister still has many unanswered questions about the accident that her brother was involved in.

Langamed Emergency Services’ paramedic stopping at the scene of the accident where Mr Mxolisi Albert Soko (35) was driven over by the municipal rubbish removal truck.

“We as a family are still not sure where the accident happened and how it happened we would like to know these things,” said Phindle.

“My sincere sympathy goes to his family and colleagues. The further sad part is that the man who passed on came all the way from Ga-Nala where he is stationed. He assisted the eMalahleni team to catch up on the backlog,” said Mr Theo van Vuuren, Municipal Manager for Emalahleni City Council.

Langamed Emergency Services paramedics busy stabilising the seriously injured Mr Mxolisi Albert Soko (35).

“I have been working for the council for 18 years already. Mxolisi was a good colleague and I will miss him dearly,” said Mr Petrus Mahlanga, a waste worker from Emalahleni City Council.

Van Vuuren continued;

“Director Sandile (waste management) with assistance from Director Mandla (corporate services) are communicating with the family and we will provide assistance where possible in this difficult time.”

“My brother was a kind and loving person. He always made jokes, we will miss him so much,” continued Phindle.

One concerned waste worker sitting over Mr Mxolisi Albert Soko (35) as they wait for an ambulance to arrive on Friday, March 18.

Soko leaves behind his two children Lolonwabo (7) and Sonwabile (5).
His funeral will be held on Saturday, March 26 at 10:00 in Ermelo.
Messages of sympathy on Theo van Vuuren’s Facebook page flowed in.

“Too often we forget that municipal workers and waste collectors are human beings doing a great service for us in difficult conditions. My condolences go out to his family. May he rest in peace,” said Ms Jennie Loach Cohen.

Mr Mafeka Mocheku commented; “May his soul rest in peace. I will always love you brother.”

“Rest in Peace my friend, I didn’t know it was the last call I had with you,” said Mr Leonard Mahlalela.