PEOPLE in the entertainment industry and the family of actor Ike Konupi were shocked by his death last week.
Ike died of gastric cancer on Wednesday. He was 53 years old.
Konupi, from Vosloorus in Ekurhuleni, shot to fame in the mini-series Vicious Circle, which was flighted on SABC2. He starred with the likes of Rhythm City’s Connie Chiume and Darlington Michaels in a movie, Chikin Biznis: The Whole Story! in 1999.
He also featured on Emzeni Wezesizwa. Michaels, the former Isidingo actor and The Road star, said: “Losing people like Ike is a drawback for the industry.
“He had a passion for his work and to lose someone like him is a blow. It has taken us time to build the industry to where it is now. May his family be comforted during their time of need.”
Ike’s mum Paulina Konupi (72) said her son was extraordinarily active.
She said while his elder brothers were reserved, Ike would be the one getting up to some mischief.
“I’m still struggling to come to terms with his death and how the cancer was not detected early, as he went for regular check-ups at the clinic.
“He used to complain of an ulcer but we were shocked to learn that he had cancer. It is so sad that he died before he achieved his dream of starting his acting academy to help Ekurhuleni youth,” said Paulina.
Jerry Konupi (50) said his brother was a jolly guy full of jokes.
- A memorial service will be held on Thursday at Vosloorus Old Age Home at 3pm. He will be buried on Saturday and the funeral service will be held at the same venue from 8am.
