Former executive mayor of Joburg Mpho Moerane and ANC Joburg Treasurer is alive, kicking and recovering in hospital.
On Sunday afternoon there were reports circulated on social media claiming that he had died.
The Moerane family condemned what they called ‘inhumane and false’
Moerane was involved in a car accident last week, his region said he was recovering and responding to treatment.
“We want to confirm that Moerane is not dead, he is still in hospital where he is stable and recovering. We appeal to all those who are spreading the fake news announcing his death to desist from such as their actions are hurtful to the family, friends and Moerane’s comrades,” said family spokesperson Mike Maile.
Maile described those behind spreading of the fake news as heartless people who are hellbent on causing unimaginable pain to the family which is concentrating all its efforts towards working together with medical professionals to nurse Moerane back to good health.
Maile further said it is against tradition to pronounce dead a person who is still alive and people must not stoop low in their attempts to advance whatever agenda they are driving.
“We appeal to members of the media and all people to respect the privacy of the Moerane’s family and accord them respect and dignity,” Maile said.
Maile in a Tweet set the record straight that it was not Moerane who had passed on.
“It's Cde Mpho Mashini who passed on, not Cde. Mpho Moerane. Condolences to the family of Cde. Mpho Mashinini!” Read the tweet.
People wished Moerane a speedy recovery trough different social media platforms.