19 October 2007
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sibusiso Ndebele has conveyed his condolences to the
family and friends of reggae legend, Lucky Dube, who was shot dead yesterday
(18 October 2007).
"One of South Africa's greatest international ambassadors, an accomplished
musician who rose from humble beginnings to be at the top of his chosen art,
has suddenly been taken away from us. Lucky's death comes barely weeks after we
as South Africans celebrated Heritage Month, and as we in KwaZulu-Natal are
busy elevating our heritage to a place of pride and history.
"On behalf of the government and people of KwaZulu-Natal, I would like to
express our condolences to Lucky's family, friends and colleagues in South
Africa and the rest of the world. To his family, in particular, we would like
to say that we are grateful for the privilege you afforded us to be part of
Lucky Dube's life. For more than 20 years we saw and heard ourselves in his
performances and lyrics and for years we used his inspiration to dream of a
brighter future for our country and the world," said the Premier.
Premier Ndebele has also praised the South African Police Service (SAPS) in
KwaZulu-Natal for the swift arrest of a 22-year-old suspect yesterday (18
October 2007) in connection with the murders of Elaine Anderson and Patricia
Kippen in Pietermaritzburg on Sunday evening. "The SAPS must be commended for
this arrest, less than a week after the violent deaths of Elaine and Patricia
which has shocked the Pietermaritzburg community. Those who are found guilty of
these callous murders must face the full might of the law.
"On behalf of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government we would like to say
to both the Anderson and Kippen families and friends, in this moment of
bereavement, our hearts are with you. We must continue to do everything in our
power, as government, communities, business, non-governmental organisations
(NGOs) and all stakeholders to fight crime. In this regard, we have called for
a partnership in fighting crime. Only a 'POPULAR FRONT AGAINST CRIME' will
assist in our fight against crime. We must refuse to be a market for stolen
goods and refuse to buy stolen vehicles or their parts. We must isolate
criminals in every corner of our country and work towards a crime free South
Africa. This is do-able and achievable,"
the Premier said.
Enquiries: Logan Maistry
Premier's Spokesperson
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
Cell: 083 6444 050
E-mail: maistryl@premier.kzntl.gov.za
Issued by: KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
19 October 2007
