Fans of South African TV series Generations are today paying tribute to former actor, Mandla Hlatshwayo, who was killed during a mugging on Sunday night.
The actor and his friend were apparently shot after confronting a group of men who had robbed some women of their mobile phones in a pub in Soweto.
Police spokesperson Captain Hitler Mgwenya confirmed that two people were shot dead at a pub in the area at 23:00 on Sunday night.
Those who were close to the 40-year-old have described him as a selfless man, and many fans are using social media to send messages of condolences to the family.
A hashtag, #RIPMandla, dedicated to the actor and former disc jockey for local radio station Jozi FM, has been trending on Twitter since news of his death broke Monday morning.
Jozi FM head Mpho Mhlongo, who confirmed the star’s death, noted that Mr Hlatshwayo’s father was also killed some years ago during a robbery, reports the BBC.
Hlatshwayo was best known for his role as Siphiwe Phosa in Generations, a role he played for seven years.
According to TVSA Hlatshwayo’s big break came in 1996 when he starred in Soul City 2, a much-loved South African television series.
South Africa has one of the highest murder rates in the world with more than 50,000 cases reported every year.
No arrests have yet been made.
