Gauteng MPL
Mapiti Matsena has been laid to rest in an emotional funeral service Friday, at
his home village of Ga-Madikana, Mohodi Ga-Manthata outside Bochum in Limpopo.
His colleagues from the Gauteng Legislature, ANC Gauteng and Limpopo also came in numbers to pay their last respect to a fallen pillar as they described him.
MEC Lebohang Maile, ANC national spokesman Pule Mabe, ANC Limpopo Secretary Soviet Lekganyane, MEC Dickson Masemola, Molemole Mayor Edward Paya, and former Tshwane mayor Solly Msimang, MEC Panyaza Lesufi and Ekurhuleni mayor Mzwandile Masina were amongst the mourners to give comfort to his family and pay their last tribute to their fellow.
Only 50 people were allowed inside a white tent where the funeral service was underway.
The other 50 people were accommodated inside an outside tent where they watched the funeral service on the screens.
His mother Joyce Matsena emotionally broke down in tears when the coffin carrying the remains of Matsena was brought inside the tent.
His two children Vanessa and Mokoele Matsena also gave their last few words to their dad with his wife Matema Matsena sitting down there in the comfort of other family members.
His daughter Vanessa said his dad was a selfless person with a big heart, humble and easy-going.
"He welcomed people from all walks of life, a true leader, developer, and a provider to many. He loved to empower people and I now feel that a part of me has been taken away and will always miss you." She said.
Moloko Matsiela a neighbour added that Matsena was like a messiah to their community who would always came to their rescue whenever there were problems.
"He was like a father to us because he has done a lot for us. His brutal death has left us stranded, weak, and with broken hearts." He said.
Murdered Matsena was at his home last Thursday night with his family in Doornpoort, Pretoria when the alleged suspect attacked and fatally stabbed him.
Matsena's murder suspect Monoko Francis Thoka (29) has already appeared at the Pretoria North Magistrate Court this week where he abandoned his bail application.
The murder case was remanded to 24 August 2020 for Director of Public Prosecutions’ instruction in respect of matter potentially being heard at the High Court and further police investigation.
Matsena was among the 21 party members and councillors who were picked to serve in Parliament and the Gauteng Legislature.
Before he assumed his role as a member of the legislature and chairperson of the community safety portfolio committee, Matsena had been the party’s deputy chairperson in Tshwane and ANC caucus leader in the DA-led council.
