Staff Reporter
Free State Premier Sisi Ntombela has expressed shock at the untimely passing of former Police, Roads and Transport MEC Butana Komphela,
He was 65.
Komphela is said to have passed away on Monday afternoon.
A statement from the premier’s office said she is deeply saddened by the unexpected death of the former MEC.
According to the statement, Ntombela, who served with Komphela in the provincial executive, is distraught at his passing.
She described him as a passionate, loyal and patriotic man whose death has left a void which will be difficult to fill.
Komphela also served as MEC for Health.
“It was with profound sadness and shock that I learnt of the passing away of former MEC Butana Komphela . . .” read part of the statement.
“I have known him for many years and had the pleasure of working with him when we both served as MECs in the Free State provincial government.
“Computer, as we used to call him, was one of a kind. He was passionate about serving the people of our province and would stop at nothing in ensuring that his vision of a prosperous province was realised.
“I am absolutely devastated by this terrible news.”
Ntombela said Komphela has left an indelible mark and his name and memory shall forever be etched “in our hearts”.
A family spokesperson, Mangaliso Alexander Xaba, was quoted in the media saying Komphela had been admitted to hospital more than a month ago for COVID-19-related treatment.
He said the family was awaiting the post-mortem results to determine the cause of his death.