Wish granted: Prominent South African politician buried in his Mercedes Benz

A very prominent South African politician and businessman chose a rather unorthodox and unconventional way to be buried and his last wish as to what he should be laid to rest in was granted by his family.

According to News24, Tshekede Bufton Pitso, who was the United Democratic Movement (UDM) leader for Eastern Cape, was laid to rest in Sterkspruit over the weekend. However, instead of being buried in a usual coffin, his body was lowered to the ground in his beloved Mercedes Benz car, as per his wish.

In photos of the funeral that have been circulating on social media, Pitso can be seen dressed in a white suit and shirt and seated on the driver’s side of the car with his hands on the wheel to look like he is driving. He is also strapped in a seatbelt.

An associate, Mfundo Nqata Bongela, paid tribute to Pitso on Facebook, referring to him as “a staunch UDM supporter” who “hated everything to do with the Anc.”

“A flamboyant character until death. I’m n’t suprised that u asked to be taken to your final resting place in your favorite Mercedes Benz,” he added.

Though Bongela admitted they were occasionally at loggerheads but patched things up, Pitso “remained controversial and rebellious” and his “demeanor was unmatched.”

The president of UDM, Bantu Holomisa, who was supposed to attend the funeral but had to cancel because he is self-isolating after coming into contact with a fellow politician who tested positive for coronavirus, also expressed his commiseration.

“My condolences to the family , relatives , friends & UDM members. We thank Pitso 4 everything he did for the UDM. I was on my way to his funeral but Rev Meshoe’s #CoronavirusTest results yesterday, changed everything,” Holomisa tweeted March 28.

Take a look at photos of the burial below: