The ANC, in a statement, has confirmed the news about Komphela passing away on Monday. Komphela was an ANC member at the time of his death. He had served in different capacities in the organisation and this includes his tenure as the mayor of Kroonstad. 

But Komphela's career wasn't without controversy. In 2021, he was found guilty of culpable homicide and sentenced to three years after his car killed a 50-year-old man in 2019. His sentence was, however, suspended.

Messages of condolences to his family and friends have been pouring in from all corners of the country, with many reminiscing about the role he played in the struggle for freedom during apartheid. Like many other freedom fighters, Komphela was incarcerated a couple of times.

OFM News