South African authorities have begun a manhunt for the man who shot actress Thandeka Mdeliswa dead in her family home in Evander, Mpumalanga.
The popular South African actress, known for her starring role as Khanya in the SABC 1 drama series Ikani, got shot after she waded into a heated argument her older brother had with two men in their family home.
The argument got violent and one of the men grabbed his friend’s gun and shot the actress.
The two men fled the scene immediately Mdeliswa was airlifted to Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Pretoria where she died on Saturday September 5.
Her family in a statement confirmed her death.
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.”
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 which our country has to fight against. We believe that justice will be served,” the statement said.
The police, in a statement, confirmed the owner of the gun has been identified, but no suspects arrested yet.
“We are currently investigating the incident but have not arrested anyone. Yesterday, we brought the owner of the gun to book and now have to get the person who pulled the trigger,” the police said.
The police urged anyone with information to approach the Evander Police Station or any police station nearby.