Issued by African National Congress KwaZulu-Natal
12 May 2000
The ANC and State Deputy President Comrade Jacob Zuma will, tomorrow, be in Melmoth to address the funeral service of his late Bodyguard, comrade Sfiso Chris "Tsepo" Dludla who was fatally short by unknown assailants just outside Chesterville on the Easter weekend.
He was admitted at St Augustine hospital where he undergone operation. Four bullets were found on his chest whilst the other two were on the arm.
His life came to an end last Wednesday after spending a long time in the Intensive Care Unit.
He was a member of the SAPS VIP Protection Unit. He spent most of his life working for the betterment of the lives of South African people.
The ANC and the people he served shall pay their final tribute to this comrade on 10h00 of Saturday (13 May 2000) at Melmoth's Mfanefile, where he hailed from. Among the people to grace the ceremony will be Deputy President Comrade Jacob Zuma - whom he worked with for a long time - KZN Deputy Speaker and ANC PEC member Comrade Willies Mchunu and other high profiled leaders of the ANC.
Another comrade that will be buried on the same day will be the late Comrade Thembinkosi Duncan Khanyile. He was the ANC Security Officer and worked as in the organisational VIP Unit.
The 29-year-old Comrade Duncan died of rain that caused infection on his wounds at his chest. He was earlier shot by heavily armed gunmen. He was admitted at Edendale Hospital where he battled for his life. After a release he died at his Pietermaritzburg home.
ANC leadership, members and general public will converge at Pietermaritzburg's Lay Centre to pay their final respect for this combatant on Saturday (13 May 2000). Among speakers of the day will include Chief Zibuse Mlaba (MPP) and Pietermaritzburg Mayor Gwala. The service will begin at 10H00.
Indeed a dark cloud has shadowed the people's organisation. Indeed the sun has set. Two of our most trusted are no more. Their hearts have ceased to beat. Never shall we ever hear their jokes. Nor shall we see them in that protective way. Comrade Thembinkosi Duncan Khanyile is no longer with us. Comrade has slept his permanent sleep.
Both these cadres were soldiers of our movement. They sacrificed their lives for the good cause. They were both ex-MK members and long standing members of the organisation. They served the organisation in various levels.
The passing away of these comrades is a sad lost for the ANC and general people of South Africa.
Their contribution to the organisation will be sadly missed as we are heading for the second local government elections.
We shall pick up their fallen spears to advance for the consolidation of people's power.
HAMBANI KAHLE MAQHAWE!
Issued by Department of Information and Publicity
Contact: Khulekani Ntshangase at 082 570 5074