DEATH OF COPE MP BISHOP TOLO

The Office of the ANC Chief Whip has learned with great shock of the brutal death of former ANC Member of Parliament, and recently a representative for COPE, Bishop Lekoba Jack Tolo. Bishop Tolo was murdered yesterday at his home village in Limpopo.

We are deeply saddened and disturbed by the loss of life of one of the country's anti-apartheid struggle veterans, through such senseless and mindless criminality. We urge law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned to ensure that those found responsible swiftly face the wrath of the law.

Bishop Tolo was amongst the first generation of ANC cadres deployed to serve in the first democratically elected Parliament following the historic 1994 elections. He served in various structures of the ANC Caucus and Parliament, including as a Whip and member of the portfolio committee on correctional services.

At the time of his death Tolo was an MP for COPE, having joined the party after the 2009 elections.

Our deepest and most heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family, friends and comrades during this difficult time.

Statement issued by the Office of the ANC Chief Whip, African National Congress, Parliament, August 22 2011

Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter