MP Timothy Khoza dies, others injured in accident

ONE member of parliament died and three were injured in an accident outside Paarl while on their way to parliamentary oversight visits in the area.

ANC MP Timothy Khoza, from Mpumalanga, died when their shuttle vehicle overturned.

One MP has been discharged while another is in high care at a private hospital.

The DA’s Ian Ollis said he had been discharged from hospital yesterday afternoon.

Ollis said the ANC’s Nomalungelo Gina, who was leading the parliamentary delegations as chairwoman of the portfolio committee on basic education, and the UDM’s Cynthia Majeke had suffered more serious injuries and had remained in hospital.

The committee had cancelled the rest of their oversight visits in the region, which had been scheduled for the rest of the week.

ANC spokesman Zizi Kodwa said it had been with heavy hearts that the party had learnt of the accident which took the life of one of its MPs, who “died in the line of duty”.

Parliament spokesman Moloto Mothapo said the presiding officers of parliament had expressed shock at the tragedy that had befallen the national legislature.

He said they were still awaiting a detailed report on the accident.

National Assembly deputy speaker Lechesa Tsenoli earlier visited the injured MPs at the hospital.

“We convey our deepest condolences to the family of comrade Khoza, the ANC as well as his fellow members and staff who worked with him.”