Durban: Home Affairs Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma will address the funeral of Douglas S'Khumbuzo Mhlongo, who committed suicide over an identity document (ID), at 10h00 tomorrow Thursday, 3 September 2009, at Kwa-Nqetho Sportsground near Hillcrest, Kwa-Zulu Natal.
The Minister, in joining the family, the community and indeed the entire nation, in mourning the death of Douglas S'Khumbuzo Mhlongo wishes to reiterate the view that members of the public are entitled to a higher quality of service delivery from officials of the Home Affairs Department without having to resort to such drastic action as suicide.
In this regard, Minister Dlamini Zuma is likely to announce the outcome of the investigation into the circumstances that led to the suicide of Mhlongo as well as the course of action to be undertaken to remedy the situation, during her address at the funeral.
Minister Dlamini Zuma who had despatched a team of senior Home Affairs officials to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Mhlongo directed that the outcome should be submitted to her before the end of the week to enable her to take the necessary and appropriate action.
Minister Dlamini Zuma, on behalf of the Department of Home Affairs and in her own name, reiterates her deepest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Douglas S'Khumbuzo Mhlongo.
The Minister has vowed to leave no stone unturned to ensure that the perpetrators of this act are brought to book and indeed to safeguard against any other citizen of this country suffering the same fate.
The Minister has also expressed her gratitude to KZN Social Development MEC Meshak Radebe for his assistance to the family in organising the funeral.
Indeed, the Minister's thoughts and prayers are with the Mhlongo family during this difficult time.
Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Home Affairs
2 September 2009
