Family, friends pay last respects

SCORES of family and friends continued to visit Minister Collins Chabane’s house in Waterkloof Heights in Pretoria yesterday to offer their condolences.

Earlier yesterday, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga and Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa visited Chabane ’ s heavily guarded home.

A member of the family told Sowetan that the two later left with other family members to visit the scene of the accident where Chabane and his driver and bodyguard, sergeants Lawrence Lentsoane and Lesiba Sekele, died yesterday.

It could not be established whether the family had gone there to perform rituals.

The trio had been travelling on the N1 from a funeral in Malamulele to Pretoria when the driver of the truck in front of them suddenly made a Uturn. Their car collided with the truck.

About 30 cars remained parked outside Chabane’s house yesterday as fam- ily and friends poured in to lend their support.

At a press conference held in Pretoria later, Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe said allegations that the driver of the truck had been drunk during the accident and that he had other drinking and driving convictions before have not been confirmed.

“I can confirm that the driver has been arrested and charged with negligent driving. Police are still doing their investigations and we will know all the details and his previous convictions when the investigation is complete, ” said Radebe.

He could not reveal how President Jacob Zuma will deal with filling Chabane’s shoes.

“That is only the responsibility of the president and he will decide how he deals with this matter, ” said Radebe.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been made.

Chabane will be given an official state funeral. This means costs related to events, such as the memorial service, will be paid for by the state.