10 South African Celebrities Who Were Brutally Murdered

South Africa has witnessed the tragic loss of numerous talented celebrities who were brutally murdered. These senseless acts of violence have shocked the nation, leaving fans and loved ones heartbroken. From musicians to television personalities, these stars were taken too soon, leaving a void in the entertainment industry. Here are 10 South African celebrities whose brutal murders have left a lasting impact.

1. AKA (Kiernan Forbes) (1988–2023)

The assassination of rapper AKA shocked the nation in February 2023. AKA, born Kiernan Forbes, was shot and killed outside a popular restaurant in Durban while celebrating his birthday with friends. The murder appeared to be a targeted hit, as gunmen ambushed AKA and his friend Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane. His death left fans mourning one of the biggest names in South African hip-hop, known for hits like Fela in Versace and All Eyes on Me. The case remains unsolved, with calls for justice continuing.

2. DJ Sumbody (Oupa John Sefoka) (1980–2022)

DJ Sumbody, a prominent music producer and Amapiano artist, was gunned down in November 2022 in Johannesburg. The musician, known for hits such as Monate Mpolaye, was shot in a drive-by attack while traveling in his car. His murder shocked the music industry, as he had played a key role in popularizing the Amapiano genre. His killers have yet to be brought to justice.

3. DJ City Lyts (Sandile Mkhize) (1990–2022)

DJ City Lyts, the younger brother of the late hip-hop star ProKid, was murdered in February 2022 in Soweto. The talented DJ and music producer was shot multiple times in a suspected gang-related incident. DJ City Lyts, who had produced popular hits such as Washa and Malambane, was just beginning to make his mark in the industry before his life was cut short.

4. Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane (1981–2023)

Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane, a well-known entrepreneur, chef, and close friend of rapper AKA, was tragically killed alongside AKA in February 2023. Tibz was also gunned down outside the restaurant in Durban in what appeared to be a coordinated hit. Tibz was a respected figure in the entertainment and hospitality sectors, and his death alongside AKA stunned the nation.

5. Lucky Dube (1964–2007)

Reggae legend Lucky Dube was one of South Africa’s most celebrated musicians. In October 2007, Dube was shot and killed in Rosettenville, Johannesburg, during a botched carjacking. His death sent shockwaves across the country and the world, as Dube had become an international star with his socially conscious music. His killers were later arrested and sentenced to life in prison.

6. Senzo Meyiwa (1987–2014)

Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa was shot and killed during a home invasion in Vosloorus, Johannesburg, in October 2014. Meyiwa’s death, initially ruled as a robbery gone wrong, has become one of South Africa’s most high-profile murder cases. Years after his death, the case remains unsolved, with ongoing investigations sparking public outrage.

7. Flabba (Nkululeko Habedi) (1977–2015)

Flabba, a member of the hip-hop group Skwatta Kamp, was stabbed to death by his girlfriend, Sindisiwe Manqele, in March 2015. The stabbing occurred during a domestic argument in his home in Alexandra, Johannesburg. Manqele was sentenced to 12 years in prison, though she maintained that she acted in self-defense. Flabba’s death shocked the South African hip-hop community.

8. Dumi Masilela (1988–2017)

Actor and musician Dumi Masilela, known for his role in Rhythm City, was shot in an attempted hijacking in Tembisa, Gauteng, in August 2017. Masilela died from his injuries a day after the shooting, leaving behind his newlywed wife, actress Simphiwe Ngema. His death deeply affected his fans and colleagues, as he was a rising star in the entertainment industry.

9. Reeva Steenkamp (1983–2013)

Model Reeva Steenkamp was tragically killed by her boyfriend, Oscar Pistorius, in February 2013. Pistorius, a renowned Paralympic athlete, shot Steenkamp through a bathroom door in his Pretoria home, claiming he mistook her for an intruder. The case garnered international attention, leading to Pistorius’s conviction for murder. Steenkamp’s death sparked debates about domestic violence and gun control.

10. Mandla Hlatshwayo (1976–2017)

Popular actor and DJ Mandla Hlatshwayo, known for his role on the hit TV series Generations, was murdered in May 2017 while attempting to stop a robbery outside a pub in Soweto. Hlatshwayo was shot dead along with a friend while trying to assist victims of the robbery. His bravery and tragic death left fans in mourning and called attention to the ongoing crime issues in the country.

The brutal murders of these South African celebrities serve as a reminder of the violence and crime that continues to plague the nation. Their lives were tragically cut short, but their legacies live on through their work and the impact they made on the South African entertainment industry. These losses are a painful reminder of the country’s ongoing challenges with violence and the urgent need for justice and protection.