Dube funeral is for family members only

The late Lucky Dube

The funeral of reggae singer Lucky Dube will be a private affair, family spokesperson Arnold Mabunda said on Monday.

"The family requested that the funeral be a private matter due to Lucky's beliefs and the church's request.

"They have requested that it not be turned into a circus, so media will not be allowed. That's not what Lucky would have wanted," he said.

Dube, a Shembe worshipper, was shot dead during an apparent hijack attempt last week while dropping his two teenage children at his brother's house in Rosettenville.

His four alleged killers, aged between 31 and 35, were arrested in Spruitview, on the East Rand, on Sunday morning.

Mabunda said the media would be allowed to attend the memorial service to be held at the Bassline in Newtown on Wednesday, and on Sunday they could only attend the church service.

He said police indicated that they would oppose bail for the four and an ID parade would be conducted during the course of the week.

Mabutho "Kid" Sithole, the founding president of the Communication Workers' Union of South Africa, said they respected Lucky's and the family's wishes.

"CWUSA also took a decision not to gather outside the Johannesburg magistrate's court for the appearance of the four on Tuesday," Sithole said.

It was earlier reported that five suspects had been arrested in connection with Dube's murder, but police have since said the fifth person could not be linked to the murder.

Sithole said the union would march to the office of Safety and Security MEC Firoz Cachalia on Wednesday.

"We are demanding that the resolution of this matter happen very fast as in the Leigh Matthews and Brett Kebble murders.

"Government has a responsibility and commitment to protect entertainers and the citizenry of this country. Does the MEC have a plan to end all this (crime) in Gauteng, if so what is it, we demand to know," Sithole said.

The union also said given the rumour doing the rounds that some of the arrested suspects were not South Africans, the home affairs department should perform thorough screening when issuing permits and citizenry documents.

It called for a collective effort in fighting crime.

Dube's funeral service will take place at Farmers' Hall in Newcastle on Sunday. - Sapa