Popular South African actor killed by robbers in Johannesburg

A popular actor in the long-running South African drama series – Generations – has been killed by robbers in Johannesburg on Sunday night.

Mandla Hlatshwayo who is also a DJ with radio station Jozi FM was shot at a pub in Pimville in the Soweto township, local media News24 reported.

“It happened at 23:00. 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,” they quoted police spokesman Captain Hitler Mgwenya who did not identify the victims.

Jozi FM, the radio station Mandla Hlatshwayo works for, confirmed his death in a twitter post.

It happened at 23:00. 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.

Jozi FM CEO Mpho Mhlongo, officially confirms the passing of Deejaymandla. He was shot at Meli Lounge, in Pimville. #JoziFmNews M.M pic.twitter.com/B64MpDogog

— Jozi FM (jozifm) May 15, 2017

South African Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa expressed “shock and dismay” at the death of the actor.

“Mandla Hlatshwayo was multitalented. We appreciate his willingness to share his talents with us and efforts to plough back to his community,” he tweeted on Monday morning.

It is with utter shock & dismay that we have learnt the news of the tragic passing of celebrated Actor Mandla Hlatshwayo. pic.twitter.com/9KHIJu43jF

— Min. Nathi Mthethwa (@NathiMthethwaSA) May 15, 2017

Mandla Hlatshwayo played the character Siphiwe Phosa from 1999 to 2006 in the drama series – Generations – that started airing in 1994 till 2014.

Messages of condolence and tributes are pouring in on social media for the celebrated actor.

Mandla Hlatshwayo was shot dead last night in Soweto for trying to help a woman from being mugged 😔 😔 #MandlaHlatshwayo #RiPMandlaHlatshwayo pic.twitter.com/n1zr9PlywG

— IG: AdvBarryRoux (AdvBarryRoux) May 15, 2017

News just in: Former generations actor and radio DJ Mandla Hlatshwayo gunned down last night at Melo pub in Pimville Soweto. #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/OW1bckpUdH

— Mweli Masilela (@mwelimasilela) May 15, 2017

Tributes pour in for Mandla after tragic death. May his soul rest in peace. #RIPMandla #MandlaHlatshwayo pic.twitter.com/QkHIKjbvZM

— Fameafrica.tv (@fameafrica_tv) May 15, 2017

#MandlaHlatshwayo Friends of Mandla praying outside the pub where he was killed last night.
ML pic.twitter.com/jurtHzFXS4

— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) May 15, 2017