By Zweli Martin Dlamini

MBABANE: Jimmy Hlophe, the new Senator who was elected by the House of Assembly about six months ago has died of COVID-19.

Reached for comments by this Swaziland News, Ndumiso Mdluli, the Deputy Senate President confirmed that the death of the new Senator has been reported to them as Senators, however, he said as the House of Senate they were still making arrangements to formally report it to government.

“It’s true, this has been reported to us, however, we are still making arrangements to formally report the death of the Senator to government as per the procedure” said the Deputy Senate President.

Make Hlophe, the wife to the late Senator advised this journalist to contact Andile Hlophe whom she said will then issue an official comment on behalf of the family.

“Please contact Andile Hlophe” she said.

Efforts to reach  Andile Hlophe, the son to the late Senator proved unsuccessful, his number was busy at the time of compiling this report.

It has been disclosed that Senator Jimmy Hlophe, who replaced the late Senator Mike Temple died around 1am today(Wednesday) while receiving treatment for a COVID-19 related illness at the Manzini Clinic.