Moqhaka spokesperson, Dika Kheswa, informs OFM News that Phooko was ill for a very short period prior to his death, so short that he died en route to a Pax clinic located in his native town of Viljoenskroon as his condition worsened. 

Details regarding Phooko’s burial are yet to be confirmed, with family reportedly still reeling from the shock. Kheswa requests that the public give Phooko’s family time to grieve and make the necessary arrangements, which will be announced in due course.

The Moqhaka spokesperson further announces that the Member of the Mayoral Committee responsible for Finance, Rachere Moletsane, will act as Mayor Phooko’s death. 

According to Kheswa, it was Phooko himself who appointed Moletsane to act on his behalf as Moqhaka Mayor, shortly before he died. Furthermore, Kheswa says due processes with regards to the council need to be followed, this includes convening a council meeting and officially pronouncing Phooko’s death there.

Phooko occupied the position of Council Whip of Moqhaka in 2016, then took over the Executive mayor role of this Free State municipality from the now MEC of Public Works and Human Settlements in the province, Tshidi Koloi, in 2019.

During his shortened tenure at the helm, he oversaw the return of the Mayoral Games in 2019, four years after they were phased out. In his first interview with OFM News during his first 100 days in office, Phooko said the return of the games was aimed at “bringing the community together, also to make sure there’s stability and unity”. At the time of his death, Phooko was the Free State chairperson of the South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco).

OFM News