Heartbreaking Loss| Remembering Five South African Celebrities Who Were Shot Dead
The sudden and shocking death of South African hip-hop icon AKA, also known as Kiernan Forbes, has left the nation in disbelief.
This tragedy has brought attention to the ongoing issue of gun violence in South Africa, highlighting the dark blemish on the once-promising “Rainbow Nation.”
What started as a beautiful day took a devastating turn in an instant. AKA, renowned South African hip-hop artist, was suddenly and tragically taken from this world in a barrage of bullets. His lifeless body lay motionless on the pavement in Durban, surrounded by his own blood.
AKA’s death is a painful reminder of the harsh reality of violent crime in South Africa and its toll on the nation’s high-profile figures. Here are five celebrities whose lives were also taken too soon by gun violence.
Lucky Dube
Tragically, Dube’s life was cut short on October 18, 2007, when he was fatally shot by carjackers as he drove home after dropping off his children at their uncle’s house. The five perpetrators were eventually brought to justice and sentenced to life in prison.
Senzo Meyiwa
Nine years later, the case remains unresolved and continues to be heard in court. The incident has captured the attention and sparked the interest of many South Africans, who remain determined to uncover the truth behind Meyiwa’s death and find out who was responsible for his murder.
DJ Sumbody
Sadly, DJ Sumbody’s life was cut short on November 20, 2022, when he was shot multiple times while driving to a performance in Woodmead. He was scheduled to take the stage at the All White Veuve Clicquot Picnic later that day. He was 46 years old at the time of his untimely death.
Dumi Masilela
Sadly, on August 2, 2017, Dumi was the victim of a failed hijacking attempt in Thembisa. During the incident, he was shot while trying to drive away from the robbers. Despite his injuries, he managed to get a ride to the hospital with a friend. Unfortunately, he passed away the following morning.
The police were able to apprehend the perpetrators and they were subsequently sentenced to life in prison for their crime.
DJ Citi Lyts
Tragically, on February 14, 2022, DJ Citi Lyts lost his life in a shooting incident. He was standing outside with friends in Soweto at around 12:30 a.m. when a car pulled up and four men armed with three rifles approached them. The attackers fired ten shots at the artist’s upper body, resulting in his death.