The Commissioner General of the Lesotho Revenue Authority (LRA) Mr. Michael Donovan has died.

Announcing Mr Donovan's death on Tuesday, the Minister of Finance and Development Planning Dr. Timothy Thahane said Mr. Donovan complained of chest pains on August 1 and was taken to the Maseru Private Hospital where he was stabilised but was later transferred to Bloemfontein.

On his way to Bloemfontein Mr. Donovan suffered a massive heart attack and despite strenuous attempts by paramedics, they were unable to bring him around, Dr Thahane said.

Dr. Thahane said the government of Lesotho has lost a dedicated and committed senior official in Mr Donovan. He described Mr. Donovan as a hard working, dedicated person who wanted to turn LRA into the best organisation in the world.

Dr. Thahane said the news of his death came as a shock. The Government and the LRA now face the challenge to live up to his aims and ambitions, the Minister said.

Mr. Donovan's memorial service will be held at the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) in Maseru on August 5.

His remains are expected to be flown back to his native country, New Zealand on August 7.

Before coming to work in Lesotho in 2002, Mr. Donovan worked in Zambia as Commissioner of Customs.

02 August 2005