Johannesburg - Former police commissioner Jackie Selebi played a crucial role in the liberation struggle and would be remembered, the SA Communist Party said on Saturday.
“The SACP would like to send its condolences to his wife Anne, the family and all relatives and friends,” said acting SACP spokesman Mhlekwa Nxumalo in a statement.
“We will always remember the role that was played by the fallen hero in the liberation struggle and also in the post-1994 period.”
Selebi died on Friday at the age of 64.
He had reportedly suffered from diabetes and had kidney problems.
Selebi was sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment on August 3, 2010, for taking bribes from convicted drug dealer Glenn Agliotti.
“Comrade Selebi played an important role in the repatriation of liberation exiles back into the country in the early 90's, which included ...members of the ANC and those of the SACP,” said Nxumalo.
“He further played an important role when he was a permanent representative of South Africa in the United Nations in Geneva from 1995.”
Nxumalo said Selebi also contributed to South Africa while director general of Foreign Affairs in 1999.
The Azanian People's Organisation (Azapo) leader Itumeleng Mosala sent condolences to the Selebi family.
He said Selebi deserved to be commended for the role he played in the struggle against apartheid.
“As a society we need to be keenly aware of what it took to get us where we are,” Mosala said.
“The lives sacrificed and the suffering endured by generations of our people makes it obligatory for all of us to act in a manner that pays homage to all those who sacrificed their all.” - Sapa