‘Yizo Yizo’ actor was ‘not a quitter’
Tributes pour in for the star on social media
WHEN Jabu Christopher Kubheka’s wife arrived at their Soshanguve home on Monday from work, the Yizo Yizo actor did not open the gate for her like he usually did.
She hooted at the gate about 4.30pm, but he did not come out.
Finding it odd, she got out of the car, opened the gate and proceeded into the house.
She found the actor’s body inside and called for help from her neighbours, who rushed to assist.
One of the people he had been playing pool with earlier said before he left, Khubeka shook everyone’s hand, saying “I will be back”.
Word started filtering through on Monday night and into yesterday morning that Kubheka, who was famously know as the Gunman in the local 1990s drama series Yizo Yizo, appeared to have committed suicide. He was 48 years old. His best friend and colleague Lerato Hassan Masia – Sonnyboy in Yizo Yizo – said he and Kubheka had been friends since before the popular drama series. Masia said that he received the call on Monday night informing him of Kubheka’s death.
Masia said that he and Kubheka had been through a lot and that they were always together.
“If you were looking for Jabu and didn’t find him, you would call me and if you were looking for me and couldn’t find me, you would call Jabu.”
Masia added that Kubheka was funnier than anyone who went to school and studied comedy, and that he was not a quitter.
“For him, a rejection just meant come back tomorrow, he said.
Kedi Mathope, another friend of Kubheka’s, said that they had lost a star.
Kubheka was also known for his role as Bazooka in the SABC1 drama series, Zone 14.
He played other roles in Vat ‘n Sit, Thandeka’s Diary, Jacob’s Cross, A Place Called Home, Gold Diggers, Generations, Abo Mzala and Ses’Top La.
Police spokesperson Captain Mavela Masondo said the actor’s wife returned from work to find him hanged.
Celebs, fans and fellow actors paid tribute to the actor.
Minister of Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa and actresses Terry Pheto and Rami Chuene were among those who sent their condolences to the family.
Pheto posted on Twitter: “Deeply saddened by the passing of Chris Kubheka aka Bazooka, who played my cousin in Zone 14. He made so many people happy. RIP Bazooka.”
Chuene wote: “The passing of Chris Gunman Khubeka is truly sad. Sending love, light and strength to his family. What a talent…”
Jabu ‘Gunman’ Kubheka was a great talent