THE deaths that hit Mzansi in 2023 left South Africans shocked and heartbroken.
Death came and took many talented people from actors, musicians, business owners, TV presenters, radio presenters and sports people.
These include Zoleka Mandela, Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane, Papi Khomane, Nhlamulo “DJ Mulo” Hlungwani, Syvlia Mdunyelwa, Jabulani "Mjay" Zama, Mark Pilgrim, Teboho Mahlatsi, Bongi "Mdeva" Ntuli, Alfred "KK" Lentsoane, Derek Watts, JJ Menu, Nompilo Dlamini, Marietjie Bothma and Scelo Mpungose.
Here's a list of some of the deaths that left South Africans shocked.
AKA
The death of rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes (35) broke the hearts of many from in Mzansi and in various corners of the world. He was shot dead in Durban, KZN on 10 February while standing outside a restaurant with his friends. His friend and former manager, Tibz Motsoane was also shot and died on the scene.
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At the time, his parents Tony and Lynn Forbes confirmed news of his shooting.
“It's with extreme sadness that we acknowledge the passing of our beloved son and confirm his untimely and tragic passing. We are awaiting further details from the Durban police. To us, he was a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend and most importantly father to his beloved daughter, Kairo,” they said.
Costa Titch
Big Flexa hitmaker Costa Titch (27) died after collapsing on stage at the Ultra South Africa Music Festival on 11 March, exactly a month after AKA died.
He fell while performing and had to be carried off stage and died shortly after that.
His family didn’t reveal his cause of death.
Gloria Bosman
Award-winning jazz musician Gloria Bosman (50) died on 14 March after a short illness.
At the time, her family released a statement and said she died at her home.
“It is with profound sadness that we share that in the early hours of this morning, we lost the rock of our family; a beloved mother, grandmother, and sister, Gloria Bosman who came to fame for her soulful and soothing voice. After a short illness, she transcended peacefully at her home, surrounded by family,” read the statement.
Zahara
The unexpected death of Zahara (36) sent shockwaves all around Mzansi. She died barely two weeks after she was admitted to hospital. She was admitted in the last week of November and died on 11 December.
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Her family released a statement and claimed that there was a lot of misinformation about her being hospitalised.
"Unfortunately, even though our daughter's hospitalisation has been of strict confidentiality within our family and close friends, that hasn't stopped the spread of disingenuous information on the internet. We want to stress that any reliable information regarding Zahara's health will be communicated via her official social media platforms or by herself," read the statement.
Vusi MaR5
Bacardi star Vusi Ma R5 (34) was allegedly gunned down on 30 January. MaR5 was known for his songs such as Thaba Ke Changitse and Tse Nnyane.
Speaking about the incident, police spokeswoman Colonel Dimakatso Sello said: “According to reports, the victim was sitting with his friends outside a tavern in Soshanguve Ext 13, when he went across the road to the car. The others allegedly heard gunshots and when they went to investigate, they found the victim lying on the ground."
Patrick Ndlovu
The iconic actor died on 30 May at the age of 85. According to his family, he died of natural causes.
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of legendary actor Patrick Ndlovu, who died of natural causes on Tuesday, the 30th of May. His acting career spanned more than four decades, mentored by theatre legend Gibson Kente," said his family.
Marc Rantseli
The 56-year-old Quick Quick hitmaker died of a brain aneurysm. At the time, his brother, Alex told Daily Sun that he was admitted to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. His admission came after his blood vessel burst in the brain and he died there.
Lentswe Bhengu-Mafoko
The popular chef died on 1 March after a short illness. His family spokeswoman Buyi Mafoko confirmed the news to Daily Sun at the time.
"It was with great sadness that we acknowledged the untimely passing of our beloved son and brother, Lentswe Bhengu-Mafoko foundly known to the media and his culinary family as Chef Lentswe," she said.
Lebohang Lettie Mpyana
The death of the 34-year-old DiepCity actress left a lot of people sad. People said they didn't expect that the rising actor would be gone so soon.
“It is with great sadness to announce the passing of our daughter Lebogang Mpyana. Lebo died after a short illness. We ask that you keep us in your thoughts and prayers in this time of bereavement. Memorial service and funeral service details will follow,” family spokesperson T Mpyana said when confirming the news.
Eusebius McKasier
Eusebius (44) died after a suspected epileptic seizure on 30 May. The political analyst, journalist, and broadcaster's funeral was followed by drama as his family members and friends accused funeral parlour, Avbob of using Eusebius' death to market their company.
