According to police spokesperson, Thabo Covane, a docket was opened at the Bayswater Police Station to probe the death of Heinrich Charl Smith (67).

ALSO READ:  ANC MPL ‘Sandlana’ dies

Covane says Smith was found motionless in his car by a colleague after taking time to rest following project work with a colleague. Covane says the police were summoned to the scene at a guesthouse in Milner Road and according to the report, it is alleged that the deceased booked in at the guesthouse with a colleague to complete a plan on a project.

"At about 09:15, the deceased is said to have complained that he wasn't feeling well. He then went to rest in his motor vehicle. The colleague later went to check on the deceased and found out that he was sitting motionless in the motor vehicle. The paramedics were called to the scene and declared the 67-year-old male dead. The investigation in the case continues,"

The ANC's Interim Provincial Committee (IPC) spokesperson, Oupa Khoabane, on Saturday told OFM News that the party official was expected to visit the family on Sunday 18 September 2022.

Another ANC MPL and ousted Chief Whip, Vusi Tshabalala, reacted to the news and described it as painful.

Smith, who is affectionately known as "Sandlana" in his circle of comrades and the opposition parties, is the chairperson of the Free State Legislature Committee for Education, Health and Social Services and has been in the position since 28 February 2022. He is also a member of an Ad Hoc Committee on Petitions.  Smith was also a member of the Public Works, Infrastructure, Roads, Transport and Human Settlements Legislature Committee in 2019.

OFM News