The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation on Friday announced the passing of board member and former Robben Island prisoner, Laloo Chiba.

The 87-year-old Chiba had a mild heart attack a few days ago and was hospitalised.

He was discharged this week and passed away at his home in Lenasia.

Chiba, a former Umkhonto we Sizwe platoon commander, was sentenced to 18-years imprisonment on Robben Island in the Little Rivonia Trial. He was jailed in B-Section, alongside Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Ahmed Kathrada and others.

The foundation said Chiba considered Kathrada as his best friend and political mentor and was devastated after Kathrada passed away in March this year.

Last week, fellow anti-apartheid struggle stalwart and former Robben Island prisoner, Eddie Daniels passed away. Chiba was deeply grieved at Daniels’ recent passing, whom he had visited just a few weeks ago in the Western Cape.

Chiba is survived by his wife Luxmi, his three daughters and grandchildren.

The foundation said they did not have details of his funeral and would communicate the details once finalised.