No doubt whilst the entertainment industry was robbed of some of Mzansi’s finest. As the year ends, let’s dive into some of the sudden deaths that hogged headlines. Here is a list of South African A-list celebrities who died in 2022, and their causes of death are revealed in detail.
Patric Shai – January
He was one of Mzansi’s most celebrated star actors. With an illustrious career spanning years, he managed to wow Mzansi with his unmatched acting flair. However, his death came as a shocker in the mix of things. Shai died by suicide at his home in Dobsonville, at 65 years old. His death came against the backdrop of social media trolls and bullying after he took a swipe at Cassper Nyovest on social media.
Nomakula Roberts – February
In the wake of Patrick Shai’s death, Mzansi was shattered after reports of the passing of Khuli Roberts made rounds on social media. Her sudden death undoubtedly left Mzansi trying to connect the dots on the cause of her death. Roberts collapsed in Kyalami, North of Johannesburg, and never woke up. She was 49 years old.
Sandile ‘Dj Citi Lyts’ Mkhize – February
He was shot dead at point blank. The celebrated DJ died at the age of 34. He was gunned down in Soweto on Valentine’s Day. Of interest, he was related to the late hip-hop legend ProKid, known for his humility and lifting Soweto hip-hop.
Rikhado ‘Riky Rick’ Makhado – February
Riky Rick died by suicide at the age of 34 after losing his battle with depression. The Boss Zonke hitmaker’s last tweet read, “I’ll come back a stronger man. This land is still my home.”
Boitumelo Athiel ‘Dj Dimplez’ Mooi – March
Barely a month after Riky Rick died, his longtime friend and DJ behind his smash hits Amantombazane Remix and Way Up died from a sudden brain haemorrhage at 30. The death of DJ Dimples was a big blow to the Hip Hop fraternity in Mzansi.
Deborah Fraser – May
Her illustrious career, spanned for years, thrust her among some of the world’s finest gospel singers. However, her health woes started when it was reported that she was wheelchair-bound. A few months later, she was in and out of the hospital several times. In the mix of things, she died at 56 after battling a short illness.
Jamie Bartlett – May
He was that celebrated villain actor we all love to hate. He is best known for his on-screen character on Rhythm City as David Genaro. The celebrated actor died at the age of 55. He was fit as a fiddle. The night before, he was spotted dining with Somizi and other friends at a local restaurant. An autopsy revealed that he died of cardiac arrest.
Busisiwe Lurayi – July
Now, Mzansi is still trying to connect the dots about her cause of death. The How To Ruin Christmas actress died at the age of 36. However, what comes as a shocker is that her body was reportedly found with visible bruises and bleeding from the mouth.
Pearl Shongwe – November
Newsreader and presenter on the popular radio and television show The Touchdown, Shongwe passed away in her sleep at age 35.
Oupa John ‘DJ Sumbody’ Sefoka – November
He was killed in a drive-by shooting in Woodmead, Sandton, at 46.