A delegation from the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, have promised to follow up on the mysterious death of a fisherman, Mr Jacob Mokoena, whose lifeless body was discovered floating in the sea at the Waterfront dock on 19 July 2010.
The Committee made this promise when it visited yesterday the bereaved wife of Mr Mokoena at her home in Khayelitsha.
Ms Sylvia Potsho, Mr Mokoena’s wife, told the Committee that the body of her husband was discovered by his friends after he was last seen alive on 10 July 2010. “He disappeared for eight days before he was found dead.”
According to Ms Potsho, Mr Mokoena worked for Silverfans Boats at the time of his death, but Silverfans Boats owner, Mr Joe Ferreira, denied knowledge of Mr Mokoena.
Ms Potsho told the Committee that the case of Mr Mokoena’s death was opened at Waterfront Police Station by Silverfans Boats, though the same company denies knowledge of Mr Mokoena.
Ms Potsho also informed the Committee that the Waterfront-based police detective who investigated the death of Mr Mokoena called her at the beginning of February 2011, informing her about the pauper’s burial of Mr Mokoena that was going to take place at the end of February.
The Chairperson of the Committee Mr Lulu Johnson assured Ms Potsho that the Committee will play its role in the investigations of the death of Mr Mokoena and that his remains should be buried by his family at the place of the family’s choice.
“We will ensure as the Committee that Mr Mokoena’s remains are handed over to his family for a decent burial,” said Mr Johnson.
The Committee has noted that the fisheries industry doesn’t adhere to the basic conditions of employment, including such issues as the minimum wage.
Enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Mava Lukani
Parliamentary Communication Services
Tel: 021 403 8738
Cell: 072 589 9355
E-mail: mlukani@parliament.gov.za
Source: Parliament of South Africa
Committee promises to follow up on death of fisherman
