Kigali, Rwanda – Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa has, today Sunday, 15 May 2016, on behalf of the Presidency and on his own behalf extended condolences to the family of the late Warrant Officer Muzwandile Joel Sithole, who was a member of the Presidential Protection Services (PPS) of the South African Police Service (SAPS) who passed away in Juba, South Sudan, on Friday 13 May 2016.
 
Warrant Officer Sithole passed away after a sudden illness in the South Sudan capital, Juba, where he was part of a team preparing for a Working Visit of Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa. Deputy President Ramaphosa is a Special Envoy of President Jacob Zuma to South Sudan.
 
“It is with a deep sense of sadness that I have learned of the passing away of Warrant Officer Sithole while on official duty in Juba on Friday, 13 May 2016. Warrant Officer Sithole served the South African Police Service (SAPS) with distinction in a very important and valued role. Our thoughts and prayers are with the widow, Sibongile Sithole, the Sithole family, friends and colleagues”, said Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa.
 
“The South African government is working together with the South Sudanese government to ensure that the mortal remains of Warrant Officer Sithole are repatriated this week to South Africa where he will be laid to rest”, further said the Deputy President.
 

Enquiries: Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria