/ 13 August 2009

Media mourn slain Bona editor

Colleagues of murdered Bona magazine editor and Soweto TV chairperson Force Khashane on Thursday described him as ”a dignified man” who contributed much to the media industry.

Khashane was shot and killed outside his house in Orlando East, Soweto, on Wednesday night.

”Force was loved by everyone who came into contact with him. We are all heartbroken about this senseless death and will miss him dearly,” said Caxton Magazines publisher Denise Stamm.

Khashane was born in 1949 in Soweto and worked for publications including the Rand Daily Mail, Sunday Times and Pace magazine.

”He was a dignified man who contributed so much to the media industry and went largely unrecognised. We feel robbed at Bona,” said colleague Sbu Mpungose.

Soweto TV chief executive officer Tsepo Thafeng described Kashane as an ”honest and down-to-earth man”.

He was one of the founding members of Soweto’s community television station.

”Force Khashane will be missed by all his colleagues at Bona and Soweto TV as well as his many acquaintances in the media and religious community,” said Thafeng.

Khashane leaves behind his wife, Palesa, son Khashane (14), and daughter Maphoko (8). His funeral will take place on Saturday August 22, said Thafeng. — Sapa