The Moqhaka Local Municipality confirms Mohapi passed away in Kroonstad on Wednesday following a short illness. His adult son, Tshepo, died a week prior. The circumstances around both deaths are not clear at this stage. Tributes have, however, been pouring in honouring Mohapi and his contributions as a leader at this Free State municipality, with the latest coming from the ANC in the province. 

The municipality has reflected back on Mohapi’s time as a leader, telling OFM News he served as the Moqhaka Council Speaker from 2006 - 2011, then took the helm as the Executive Mayor of Moqhaka from 2011 – 2014. He later served as an MP from 2014 to 2019. 

The present Mayor Lucky Phooko has described Mohapi as “a disciplined and a dedicated cadre, who will at all material conditions, advance the plight of the masses diligently”. The municipality collectively expressed their condolences to Mohapi’s loved ones. It further appears that Mohapi was buried on Thursday a mere day following his death. 

The death of a former Free State official comes less than a week since Matjhabeng Local Municipality confirmed the death of its longest serving senior legal advisor, Barry Golele, from COVID-19 complications. Golele reportedly died last week Friday in Johannesburg.

OFM News