In February this year, South African rapper AKA was shot and killed outside a Durban restaurant after dining with his friends.
The Composure hitmaker was visiting the KwaZulu-Natal city as part of his birthday tour and was set to perform at a local night club before an unknown hitman shot and killed both him and his former manager Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane.
Tebello Tibz Motsoane
Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane and AKA were killed in Durban on 10 February. Image via Instagram @akaworldwide/tebello.motsoane
Busi Lurayi
How To Ruin Christmas star Busi Lurayi was found dead at her Edenvale home on Sunday 10 July.
Busi was only 36 at the time of her passing. Her cause of death has not been disclosed, however, her lifeless body was reportedly discovered by her father Freddy Mokoena.
Busi Lurayi celebrity
‘How to Ruin Christmas’ star Busi Lurayi has passed away at 35 years old. Image via Twitter @ApheleleJody
Derek Watts
Carte Blanche presenter Derek Watts lost his battle to cancer on 22 August this year.
The seasoned investigative journalist had previously opened up about getting diagnosed with skin cancer which later spread to his lungs.
Derek was 74 at the time of his passing.
South Africa: Today’s latest news and headlines, Wednesday, 30 August 2023
Derek Watts lost his battle to cancer in August. Photos: Twitter/@DerekWatts
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Costa Titch
Almost exactly a month after the passing of AKA, another young rapper — Costantinos “Costa Titch” Tsobanoglou — lost his life.
The Big Flexa hitmaker shockingly passed on after collapsing while performing at Ultra Music Festival on 11 March this year.
His budding career was cut short at the age of 28.
Costa Titch TikTok dance
Costa Titch died a month after friend and fellow rapper AKA. Image via Instagram @costatitch
Zoleka Mandela
Zolekka Mandela, the grandchild of SA struggle hero Nelson Mandela, passed on after battling cancer.
Before her passing, the local celebrity and author shared her fears about leaving behind her four children.
She was laid to rest on Friday 29 September at the age of 43.
Zoleka Mandela celebrity
Zoleka Mandela’s funeral was held in Johannesburg on 29 September 2023. Image via Instagram @zolekamandela