Top South African celebrities who died as of 2023 and their causes of death
Losing a loved one is a devastating experience. It comes with deep feelings of loss and helplessness. The reality is that all human beings will die, celebrities included. The South African actors who died recently left a gaping hole in the entertainment industry.

Source: UGC
It is normal to experience emotional and psychological distress after the loss of a loved one. In the recent past, South Africa has lost celebrities, including singers and actors. The South African actors who died recently are remembered for their work.
South African actors who died recently
Check out the list of South African actors who died recently and the cause of their demise.
1. Patrick Ndlovu
- Date of birth: 15th November 1938
- Demise: 30th May 2023
- Age at death: 85 years
Legendary actor and consummate professional Patrick Ndlovu was best known for Knuckle City, Oddball Hall, and Shaka Zulu. He died on 30th May 2023 of natural causes.
2. Charlbi Dean Kriek

Source: UGC
- Year of birth: 5th February 1990
- Demise: 29th August 2022
- Age at death: 32 years
Charlbi Dean Kriek was best known for her roles in Black Lightning and Triangle of Sadness. Autopsy results released on 21st December 2022 confirmed the actress died of bacterial sepsis. The infection was a caused by exposure to the bacteria Capnocytophaga.
3. Mncedisi Shangangu
- Year of birth: 1969
- Demise: 24th July 2022
- Age at death: 53 years
Mncedisi Baldwin Shabangu was best known for his character as Khulekani Ngobese on Rhythm City. The actor, playwright, and theatre director passed away on 24th July 2022. He died in the early hours after complaining of chest pains.
4. Busi Lurayi

Source: UGC
- Year of birth: 1986
- Demise: 10th July 2022
- Age at death: 36 years
The sudden demise of actress Busi Lurayi caught South Africans by surprise. She was best known for her lead role as Tumi in How to Ruin Christmas. Busi passed away suddenly and was pronounced dead at her residence on 10th July 2022 by medical personnel.
5. Jamie Barlett
- Year of birth: 9th July 1966
- Demise: 23rd May 2022
- Age at death: 55 years
James Bartlett was a British-born South African actor best known for his role as the wicked puppet master, David Genaro in Rhythm City. He was formerly married to actress Camilla Waldman, known for her role in Generations. He died of a cardiac arrest.
6. Siyabonga Zubane
- Date of birth: 5th October 1998
- Demise: 7th May 2022
- Age at death: 23 years
Siyabonga Zubane passed away at 23. He is best remembered as Sdumo in Gomora. He died of suicide.
7. James Alexander, aka James Gracie
- Date of birth: 8th January 1978
- Demise: 28th April 2023
- Age at death: 45 years
James Gracie was an actor and writer. He is best remembered for Discreet, Eye in the Sky, and Semi-Soet. He died on 28th April 2023 after a spirited battle with head and neck cancer.
8. Siyanda Sesimani
- Year of birth: 14th February 1990
- Demise: 11th March 2022
- Age at death: 32 years
Siyanda Sesimani is one of the South African actors who died recently. He is best remembered as a star on Soul City and The Estate.
He passed away on 11th March 2022 after being in a coma for almost a month. He was badly hurt during a house break-in by unknown assailants on 15th February 2022 and was admitted to Garden City Hospital with head injuries.
He was in the intensive care unit in comatose state before taking his last breath. He appeared to have been recovering well until he had a seizure and went into cardiac arrest.
9. Kuli Roberts
- Date of birth: 16th December 1972
- Demise: 9th February 2022
- Age at death: 49 years
Nomakula Kuli Roberts is one of the South African actors who passed away recently. She was a celebrated actress, radio and television personality, and author.
She was also a fashion and beauty enthusiast. People remember her kind heart and pleasant personality.
The actress collapsed and died at about 10 p.m. on 9th February 2022. This happened on the set of her new show.
People speculated that she died of a heart attack. Her exact cause of death was not disclosed to the public.
10. Patrick Shai
- Date of birth: 9th December 1956
- Demise: 22nd January 2022
- Age at death: 65 years
Patrick Molefe Shai was a 65-year-old actor known for starring in many South African series and films, including Zone 14, Soul City, Ashes to Ashes, Generations, and Zero Tolerance.
The talented actor passed away on 22nd January 2022 after battling severe depression. He lost his life to suicide, and his remains were discovered in his house garage in Dobsonville, Soweto.
11. Gloria Bosman

Source: UGC
- Year of birth: 1973
- Demise: 14th March 2023
- Age at death: 50 years
Gloria Bosman was a jazz singer who began her career singing in a church choir in Soweto. She was also a vocalist, composer, and teacher. She died from a short respiratory illness.
12. Costa Titch

Source: UGC
- Date of birth: 10th September 1995
- Demise: 11th March 2023
- Age at death: 28 years
Costantinos Tsobanoglou, commonly known as Costa Titch, was a celebrated Amapiano rapper and dancer. The artist collapsed and died onstage during a performance at a music festival. His family did not give a specific cause of demise.
13. Lentswe Bhengu-Mafoko

Source: UGC
- Date of birth: 22nd July 1986
- Demise: 28th February 2023
- Age at death: 36 years
Lentswe Bhengu-Mafoko was a celebrity chef. He passed away on 28th February 2023 at Sandton Medi-Clinic. He died after suffering a brief illness. The exact name of the sickness was not given.
14. AKA (Kiernan Jarryd Forbes)

Source: UGC
- Date of birth: 28th January 1988
- Demise: 10th February 2023
- Age at death: 35 years
AKA is a South African singer who died recently. He was a celebrated rapper, record producer, and businessman.
On 10th February 2023, he was scheduled to perform at Yugo nightclub in Durban. At around 10 p.m. that night, he and Tebello Motsoane were standing outside a restaurant called Wish.
A gunman ran up to them and shot AKA in the head, while his accomplice, who was standing by the rapper's car, fired more shots which killed Motsoane.
15. Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane
- Year of birth: 1982
- Demise: 10th February 2023
- Age at death: 41 years
Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane was a chef, entrepreneur, and a good friend to AKA. The two were shot at close range by unknown assailants who are believed to be hired hitmen. Motsoane passed away on 10th February 2023 alongside AKA.
16. Vusi Ma R5
- Date of birth: 28th May 1988
- Demise: 30th January 2023
- Age at death: 34 years
Vusi Ma R5 was a music artist remembered for Thaba, Tse Nnyane, Matenase, and O Mang. He passed away on 30th January after being shot. He was hanging out with friends at a pub in Soshanguve. He was shot as he crossed the street to go to his car.
17. DJ Dimplez
- Date of birth: 31st August 1992
- Demise: 6th March 2022
- Age at death: 29 years

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Boitumelo Athiel Mooi, commonly known as DJ Dimplez, is among the South African celebrities who died recently. He is remembered for his contribution to the local music and pop culture industry. The DJ passed away from a brain haemorrhage.
18. Riky Rick

Source: UGC
- Date of birth: 20th July 1987
- Demise: 23rd February 2022
- Age at death: 34 years
The departure of Rikhado Muziwendlovu Makhado, commonly known as Riky Rick, was one of the most shocking deaths. The famous rapper reportedly hanged himself with a rope in his home.
People tried to save his life, but he was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital. The rapper was battling depression and substance abuse before his demise.
19. DJ Citi Lyts

Source: UGC
- Birth: 1989
- Demise: 14th February 2022
- Age at death: 32 years
Sandile Mkhize, commonly known as DJ Citi Lyts, was best known as the brother of Prokid, the late rapper. He was a talented musician known for hits like Washa Washa and Vurra.
Unfortunately, he lost his life on Valentine's Day 2022 at 32 years. His family revealed that he was ambushed and shot to death in Dube, Soweto.
What South African actor died recently?
The SA actors who passed away recently include Dean Kriek, Busi Lurayi, Siyabonga Zubane, Siyanda Sesimani, and Kuli Roberts.
Which South African celebrity died on stage?
Costantinos Tsobanoglou, commonly known as Costa Titch, collapsed and passed away onstage.
What South African stars died in 2023?
Some of the SA stars who passed away in 2023 are Vusi Ma R5, Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane, Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane, Lentswe Bhengu-Mafoko, Costa Titch, and Gloria Bosman.
Did the actor who portrayed Sdumo in Gomora die?
Yes, Gomora actor Siyabonga Zubane, popularly known for his role in Gomora as Sdumo, passed away in May 2022.
Dying is an inevitable part of life. South African actors who died recently will be remembered for their contribution to the local entertainment industry.
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Source: Briefly News