South African actress shot dead at her family house

South African actress, Thandeka Mdeliswa is dead after being shot at her family home in Evander, Mpumalanga.

Local police is currently appealing for info regarding her death, as South Africans are left in shock.

Thandeka Mdeliswa who is best known for her starring role as Khanya in the SABC 1 drama series Ikani, had waded into a heated argument her older brother got into with two men at their family home on Thursday September 3.

The argument got violent as one of the men grabbed his friend’s firearm and shot the actress. The two men fled the scene and it was learnt that the police have identified the owner of the gun as Hlathi.

Thandeka Mdeliswa’s family confirmed that she died after being shot. In a statement on Sunday the family said:

“It is with great sorrow that we inform you of the passing on of our dearest daughter.

“She was shot in Evander, Mpumalanga on Thursday 3 September 2020. She was immediately rushed to Evander hospital, stabilised then airlifted to Witbank after which she was transferred to Steve Biko Academic Hospital (Pretoria) as her condition was critical but stable. She passed on in the morning of the 5th September 2020 (Saturday).”

The family described the 27-year-old as “a young, talented and inspirational actress which her family and community were looking to see flourish”.

“The brutality which was inflicted on our daughter has left us deeply hurt. This is another incident of violence against women (Gender Based Violence) which our country has to fight against. We believe that justice will be served,” the statement said.

The police said in a statement that they are currently investigating the matter and no arrest has been made.

The statement read; “We are currently investigating this matter and we have not arrested anyone. Yesterday, we brought the owner of the gun to book and we were advised to get the person who pulled the trigger. We are busy with our investigation. Anyone with information that can assist should approach the Evander Police Station or any police station around.”