By Teboho Moloi
QWAQWA – Maluti-a-Phofung Executive Mayor Cllr. Malekula Melato says the municipality remains in shock following the sudden death of one of its qualified electricity technicians, Lindiwe Sibeko, who died while on duty.
Sibeko was laid to rest on Saturday, 15 November, at Naledi Village.At the time of her death, she was working with colleagues to restore electricity in Qwaqwa when she suddenly collapsed and began to bleed profusely. Despite efforts to save her, she died in an ambulance on the way to the hospital.
Family, friends, colleagues, and community members described Sibeko as hardworking, loving, kind, and passionate about nature. She enjoyed hiking and was committed to making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality Electricity Department representative, Sello Mokoena, said workers are continuously demoralised by the negative conduct of some councillors.
“We are deeply hurt by the passing of our colleague. She was an innocent and dedicated technician. We are constantly put under unnecessary pressure. Often when we arrive at work, we find councillors and community members undermining us and criticizing our work. This creates frustration which can lead to tragic situations,” Mokoena said.
Family spokesperson and brother of the deceased, Mbuti Sibeko, said the most painful part is that Lindiwe died just days before her lobola negotiations.
“We hope the municipality and the police will conduct thorough investigations into her death. I visited the scene, and from what I saw, I don’t believe anyone is directly to blame. However, we need a proper report so that we can find closure. Lindiwe was both a mother and father in our family. Her passing has left a gap that can never be filled,” he said.
Mayor Melato said the municipality is working tirelessly to determine what led to the tragic incident.
“This is heartbreaking. We have lost a committed professional who ensured that our households have light. We extend our deepest condolences to the family. As the municipality, we have also lost a dedicated employee who sacrificed her life for the residents of Maluti-a-Phofung,” Melato said.
Members of the Mehahlaula Hiking Group, dressed in their full hiking attire, carried her coffin in honour of her love for hiking.
The group’s leader, Molahlehi Kolobe, said they have lost a passionate member who was instrumental in promoting hiking in the region.
“She took part in the well-known Moshoeshoe Walk in Lesotho and always pushed to professionalize hiking. Her absence will be deeply felt,” Kolobe said.
