By Palesa Matlala
• Police have opened a culpable homicide case after Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba died when he was hit by a bakkie during his morning jog.
• Political parties across KwaZulu-Natal have paid tribute to Mahlaba, describing him as a dedicated leader who served communities for more than two decades.
KwaZulu-Natal is mourning the death of former MEC, former Newcastle mayor and African National Congress leader Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba.
The 46-year-old politician died on Saturday after he was hit by a bakkie while jogging in Newcastle.
Police said the crash happened on Allen Street.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Brigadier Robert Netshiunda said a culpable homicide case has been opened.
“Reports indicate that the driver of a bakkie was travelling along Allen Street when a pedestrian allegedly attempted to cross the road. The driver reportedly tried to avoid the pedestrian but was unable to do so. The victim was taken to a local clinic where he later died,” said Netshiunda.
Police are continuing with their investigation.
At the time of his death, Mahlaba was serving as a member of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature and as chairperson of committees.
He was also a member of the African National Congress Provincial Task Team.
Mahlaba was well known in KwaZulu-Natal politics.
He began his political journey while studying medicine at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, where he served as president of the Student Representative Council.
He later worked as a doctor at Madadeni Regional Hospital before moving into full-time politics.
In 2010, he was elected regional chairperson of the African National Congress Youth League in Madadeni.
Four years later, he became regional chairperson of the African National Congress, before being elected mayor of Newcastle in 2016.
In 2022, he was elected provincial treasurer of the African National Congress in KwaZulu-Natal.
He later served as MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure before moving to the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture.
Despite his busy political career, Mahlaba continued studying.
Only last month he graduated with a Master of Commerce in Leadership Studies from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
He was also known for community projects, including donating school shoes to children from poor families across the province.
Tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum.
The African National Congress described Mahlaba as a fearless leader who dedicated his life to serving people.
The Inkatha Freedom Party said he would be remembered for his hard work and commitment to communities.
The Democratic Alliance offered condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
The Economic Freedom Fighters described him as a humble and soft-spoken leader who always stood with poor and vulnerable people.
His death is being felt across KwaZulu-Natal, where many remembered him not only as a politician but also as a medical doctor, community leader and mentor to young people.
Police investigations into the fatal crash are continuing.
Pictured above: Former KwaZulu-Natal MEC and African National Congress leader Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba, who died after being hit by a bakkie while jogging in Newcastle.
Image source: File
