Rhythm City publicist Joe Strydom has confirmed Masilela’s death.
Rhythm City actor Dumi Masilela died following a hijacking ordeal on Wednesday evening in Tembisa. Masilela spent the night fighting for his life in hospital after being shot during an attempted hijacking.
The actor was reportedly parked on a road in Tembisa with a friend when they were approached by a black jeep. They tried to flee but a chase ensued.
“The tried to drive off but the black jeep followed and the occupants opened fire. He (Masilela) was shot in the upper body,” police spokesperson Kay Makhubele told TshisaLIVE on Thursday morning.
His friend rushed the actor to hospital where he spent the night fighting for his life. He died this morning.
The actor was married to Muvhango actress Simphiwe Ngema and the two had become media darling as their romance blossomed.
Minister of Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa took to Twitter on Thursday morning to express his deepest condolences to Masilela’s family and friends.
“It is with absolute shock and dismay that we received the news of Rhythm City star Dumi Masilela’s sudden and tragic passing,” said Mthethwa.
Rhythm City also released a statement expressing their condolences.
“We are shattered! Dumi Masilela has passed away. Our deepest condolences to his family, friends and #RhythmCity colleagues.
“He passed in a hijacking on Wednesday 2 August. Dumi played the role of Sifiso on Rhythm City for the past 5 years. e.tv sends their condolences to Dumi’s family, friends and Rhythm City colleagues,” the soapie said.
Tributes have been pouring in for the 29-year-old, who played Sifiso Ngema, in the popular soapie.
“We send our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Rhythm City Actor Dumi Masilela, who has reportedly passed on,” wrote the arts and culture department on Twitter….
