Eric Mashaba
MEMBERS of Parliament yesterday held a memorial service for Cope MP Jack Tolo in Cape Town.
Cope’s spokesman in the parliamentary opposition leader’s office, Noko Moloto, said the memorial service had been held in Parliament’s Old Assembly Chamber.
“Bishop Tolo’s life was rooted in his community where lived at Ha-Masha village in Sekhukhune, Limpopo. He was an active MP and always had time for his neighbours, his colleagues and his comrades.
“A kind, gentle man, he was also a firm believer in discipline,” Moloto said.
He said a staff memorial service would be held at the Cope office in Parliament today.
Tolo, who was born on November 21, 1948, was shot dead by robbers at his home in the early hours of Monday.
“His death has robbed his family, friends, comrades and his community, as well as the people of South Africa in general, of a patriot, a gentleman and a leader,” Moloto said.
Tolo was also a religious leader, who had served in the Apostolic Church since the 1970s. He had become an ANC MP in 1994 and had worked in democratic organisations since the mid-1970s.
“In 2009 he was one of the first people to join Cope. In Parliament he served on the defence and correctional services committees, where he was diligent and always on top of issues,” Moloto said.
Tolo had never forgotten his roots.
“He worked on the land as a tractor driver, on a dairy farm and as a driver before he became an MP in 1994. Ntate Tolo will be sorely missed by all in Cope.”
Moloto added that Cope members and other MPs extended their deepest condolences to Tolo’s family, friends, comrades and neighbours
He urged police to leave no stone unturned to bring Tolo’s murderers to book.
Limpopo provincial police spokesman Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi said no arrests had been made in connection with the murder.
“The matter is still under investigation, and anyone who can assist should contact the police and give information.”
Tolo is due to be buried at his home village in Ha-Masha in the Sekhukhune area on Sunday.
He leaves behind his wife Salome, seven children and 10 grandchildren. – African Eye News Service