10 Mzansi Celebrities Who Tragically Took a Life
10 Mzansi Celebrities Who Tragically Took a Life
When we think of celebrities, we often imagine glitz, glamour, and untouchable stardom. However, even the rich and famous aren’t immune to life-altering events, and some have faced shocking and tragic situations that ended in the loss of life.
Below, we delve into 10 South African celebrities who, through accidents, crime, or poor judgment, became entangled in life-ending incidents.
1. Manaka Raka
Manaka Raka, beloved for her role in the iconic South African soap opera Generations, found herself in a devastating situation when she accidentally knocked down an 18-year-old schoolgirl, Melissa, in a car crash. The tragic accident occurred on the R54 road near Leon Dale while Manaka was en route to visit a friend. According to reports, the actress didn’t see the teenager crossing the street, resulting in a fatal collision. This heart-wrenching incident serves as a grim reminder of how quickly lives can change.
2. Peach Black
Known for his fiery lyrics and high-energy performances, rapper Peach Black faced a dark chapter in his life when he was implicated in the death of his wife, Katherina Mudis. In a heated argument on New Year’s Eve 2018, Peach admitted to pushing her, which led to her fatal head injury. The rapper attempted to clean the scene, but authorities uncovered the evidence. He was convicted of culpable homicide, marking a tragic end to his marital struggles.
3. Zizi Kodwa
Public figure Zizi Kodwa was thrust into scandal after allegedly orchestrating an armed attack that left her bodyguard dead. During the incident, Zizi and her associates reportedly fired AK-47s at her husband, Robin, and his bodyguard at a petrol station. While Robin survived, the bodyguard did not. Although charges were later dropped due to insufficient evidence, Zizi’s reputation took a significant hit.
4. Jabu Jiba
Drag racing gone horribly wrong forever altered the life of Jabu Jiba. In 2010, while recklessly racing alongside a friend, Jabu’s vehicle plowed into a crowd, killing four people and injuring two others. The tragedy was further compounded when tests revealed cocaine and morphine in Jabu’s system. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison, but his release on parole in 2017 sparked public outrage.
5. Oscar Pistorius
Oscar Pistorius, once hailed as a national hero for his historic achievements as a double amputee Olympian, shocked the world in 2013 when he fatally shot his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. Pistorius claimed he mistook her for an intruder, firing through a locked bathroom door. Initially convicted of culpable homicide, his sentence was later upgraded to murder. Pistorius was released on parole earlier this year after serving half of his 13-year sentence.
6. Kumi Mahlangu
The murder of former national football team captain Mr. May shook South Africa, with suspicions pointing toward Kumi Mahlangu. Allegations emerged that Kumi ordered the killing, and cell phone evidence linked him to the crime. Chillingly, a photo of a man wrapped in plastic was found on Kumi’s phone, matching an image discovered on a suspect’s device. The court case remains ongoing, leaving more questions than answers.
7. Rulan Sa
Superstar Rulan Sa narrowly escaped death but caused three fatalities in a harrowing car accident. Fleeing an attempted hijacking on the N4 near Diepsloot, Rulan’s desperate attempt to crash his vehicle to deter the attackers ended in catastrophe. Among the dead was one of the hijackers, later identified as a wanted gang member. Rulan survived but was left deeply scarred by the ordeal.
8. Gregory Petre
Gregory Petre’s story is one of heartbreak and despair. After a heated argument with his partner Jiren, Gregory shot and killed him in their shared cottage. Following the incident, he tried to take his own life by overdosing on pills but survived. This wasn’t Gregory’s first brush with the law—he had previously been arrested for fraud. His tragic story highlights the devastating consequences of domestic disputes.
9. Judith Sap
In 2013, actress Judith Sap accidentally struck and killed a 79-year-old pedestrian crossing a street in Soweto. Devastated by the incident, Judith rushed the elderly woman to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, but the pensioner passed away two hours later. The victim’s family forgave Judith, emphasizing that the accident was not intentional. The emotional toll on Judith was evident, as she was inconsolable in the aftermath.
10. DJ Donald Subai
Former Josie FM DJ Donald Subai faced a grim future after being convicted of murdering his girlfriend, Dolly Shabal, in 2014. Following a heated altercation in his flat, Dolly suffered a fatal stab wound. Subai attempted to cover up the crime scene, but evidence ultimately led to his conviction. Sentenced to 20 years for murder, Subai’s career and life were irrevocably changed.
Final Thoughts
These incidents are somber reminders that fame and fortune do not exempt individuals from the consequences of their actions. Behind the bright lights of celebrity lies the reality of human fragility and imperfection. Each of these stories holds lessons about accountability, remorse, and the profound impact of our decisions on others.
