THE rush to bid for government tenders has claimed the life of Limpopo ANC member and emerging entrepreneur Lizzy Bopape.
Bopape, 38, of Lenyenye township outside Tzaneen, died in a car accident while rushing to bid for borehole and toilet tenders in the Mopani district municipality in Giyani on Friday.
Limpopo police spokesperson Mohale Ramatseba confirmed the accident and said a case of culpable homicide was being investigated.
Bopape was travelling between Tarentaalrand and Giyani when the driver of a bakkie allegedly lost control of his vehicle and plunged into nearby bushes.
Eye-witnesses said Bopape was flung out of the car. It rolled over her, killing her instantly, before coming to a standstill.
The driver of the bakkie, who is a younger brother of a prominent driving school owner, sustained minor injuries and was rushed to a local hospital, where he was treated and discharged.
Speaking on behalf of the family Bopape's sister Dimakatso said the accident happened at a time when she was busy with another multi-million rand project in Muyexe outside Giyani.
She said the family depended on Bopape for everything.
ANC provincial chairperson and Limpopo Premier Cassel Mathale paid a moving homage at Bopape's funeral in Lenyenye township yesterday.