Cape Town – It has been confirmed by The Juice that Rhythm City actor Dumi Masilela, 29, died on Wednesday night following a hijacking incident in Tembisa.
The actor played the role of the street kid Sifiso Ngema since his first appearance in the soap in January 2013.
According to police spokesperson Kay Makhubele, Dumi Masilela and his friend were shot at while driving on Wednesday night.
Michael Pocock, e.tv PR manager, confirmed the news of Masilela’s death. Details surrounding the incident are still unclear.
Other than being an actor Dumi was also a professional soccer player who played for Supersport United and Highlands Park, but had to end his career after a car accident.
The actor got married to actress Simphiwe Ngema in an intimate traditional wedding earlier this year, according to e.tv.
The Juice also spoke to Rhythm City publicist Joe Strydom who said that the details of the incident have not been confirmed yet.
Here is a statement about the actor’s death that e.tv posted on their website:
“It is with great sadness that e.tv confirms the passing of Dumi Masilela. He passed in hijacking on Wednesday 2 August. Dumi played the role of Sifiso on Rhythm City for the past 5 years. e.tv sends their condolences to Dumi’s family, friends and Rhythm City colleagues”.
Minister of Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa has expressed his condolences on Twitter.
Update
Dumi Masilela’s aunt also died on Thursday morning following the tragic news of her nephew’s passing.
Family spokesperson Mpumi Phillips confirmed that the aunt had died at the family home after hearing the news.
“We can confirm that Dumi’s aunt has died but the family will not elaborate further than this,” family spokesperson Mpumi Phillips told TshisaLIVE.
It is a difficult time for the family as Dumi’s father, Pastor Masilela, passed on last year.
Source: Channel24