South Africans have expressed their shock and horror at the news of 27-year-old Thandeka Mdeliswa’s death being caused by an act of gender-based violence.
This was confirmed by her family in a statement issued on social media at the weekend.
Their heartfelt post read: “It is with great sorrow that we inform you of the passing 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).”
They confirmed in the statement that her passing had been the result of an act of gender-based violence. Her death is currently under investigation by the police and the family have said that they are sure that justice will be served in due time.
Thandeka got her big break in the acting industry playing the role of Khanya in the SABC1 drama series iKani. Since then she has gone on to have various roles on the small screen and appeared in the movie Uthando Lukayisa. She was said by her family to have a bright future in show business.
Here is a statement from the Mdeliswa Family regarding the shooting and passing away of actress Thandeka Mdeliswa. #RIPThandekaMdeliswa pic.twitter.com/DC3cIN2RNV
— Mme a Masakona (@FloMasebe) September 5, 2020
Her passing has caused an outpouring of grief on social media and cries for something to be done as a matter of urgency about gender-based violence in our country.
May you rest in peace Thandeka Mdeliswa.
