By: Montsho Matlala
Makuleke, Vhembe: The funeral of slain ANCYL executive committee member in Limpopo, Nkateko Mbhoma Maluleka (32), who was killed in North West last Tuesday, will take place on Saturday at his home village of Makuleke in the Vhembe district.
Mourners, including family, relatives, and comrades, are expected to gather at Phele Sports Ground for the “young lion’s” final send-off, starting at 6:00 a.m.
ANCYL Limpopo provincial secretary Phineas Sebola said:
“In collaboration with the Maluleka family and relatives, we will pay homage to our gallant soldier, Comrade Nkateko Mbhoma Maluleka. ANCYL national president Collen Malatji, together with youth league leaders and members from across Vhembe and the country, will join the multitudes at the sports ground.”
ANC provincial chairperson Stan Mathabatha, Health MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba (a PEC member), and prominent party leaders from the NEC are also expected at the solemn ceremony, which will largely be led by slogan-chanting young lions.
On Thursday, a memorial service for Maluleka affectionately known as Mbhoma—was held at Phele Sports Ground.
The event was marked by strong emotions as mourners saluted him for his patriotism and his desire to see the ANCYL and the ANC regain their former glory in order to build a better country.
Maluleka was killed in the early hours of Tuesday last week when the vehicle he and fellow comrades were travelling in to the ANC national conference in Kimberley, Northern Cape, came under heavy gunfire at Leeudoringstad, near Klerksdorp in North West.
Two men accused of the shooting told police upon their arrest on the same day that they were hired security guards.
They are expected to apply for bail at the Wolmaransstad Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
The duo claimed they mistook the ANCYL vehicle for one allegedly carrying stolen Transnet cables, which they said they had been pursuing.
Meanwhile, the five suspected cable thieves arrested on the same day will also apply for bail at the same court on Monday.
