Tears for slain TV star

Known for the character Siphiwe Phoza, a role he played for seven years in one of Mzansi’s biggest soapies, Generations, Mandla Hlatshwayo, pictured, was an actor his fans hoped to see more of on the small screen.

His death has left most distraught and many feeling he died too soon because he still had so much to offer in his craft.

#RIPMandla is a hashtag that has been trending on social media, with messages of grief and condolences to the Hlatshwayo family.

“We will never know why the good die so young,” one fan wrote on Twitter.

“You break up a fight because you’re a ‘good citizen’ then you end up being killed,” another remarked.

Actress Florence Masebe said: “My heart is utterly shattered. I woke up to the terrible news of the passing of a dear former colleague, friend and brother Mandla Hlatshwayo. He and I, together with former Mr South Africa Glen Fischer, presented a youth show on #SABC1 called #ElectricWorkshop back in day. He was a young DJ from Soweto Community Radio then.

“One of the most gentle souls I ever had the blessing of knowing. Our world is cruel. Kubuhlungu futhi kunzima ukwamukela. Lal’uphumule Mhayise, Deepest condolences to your loved ones. #RIPMandlaHlatshwayo.”

Police spokesperson Captain Hitler Mgwenya said two people were shot at a pub in Pimville on Sunday night, but could not divulge their names before next of kin were informed.

“It happened at 11pm. Four armed suspects entered the pub and robbed people there. The two victims who were shot were trying to assist the other people in the pub who were being robbed,” Mgwenya told News24.

Hlatshwayo, 40, was a DJ at Jozi FM. His co-host and friend on The Weekend Special show, Thando Bantu Radebe confirmed the tragic news on his Facebook account.

It happened at 11pm. Four armed suspects entered the pub and robbed people there. The two victims who were shot were trying to assist the other people in the pub who were being robbed.