Matwetwe lead actor Sibusiso Khwinana stabbed to death, police confirm

Police have confirmed the tragic news that actor Sibusiso Khwinana, 25, of the hit film Matwetwe was stabbed and killed on Friday night.

Police said the young actor was stabbed over a cellphone at the movie complex in Arcadia. Khwinana gained fame for his performance in a successful South African movie, Matwetwe. It is a coming of age adventure film featuring two township high school graduates, Lefa played by Khwinana and Papi played by  Tebasto Mashishi, trying to make money by selling “weed”. Lefa had plans to study at the University of the Witwatersrand.

The film was produced by comedian Kagiso Lediga and world-renowned DJ Black Coffee, and was shot in Atteridgeville, west of Pretoria. It has been a hit in South Africa, having amassed more than R4 million at the box office.

https://twitter.com/BassyGause/status/1101739989522661376

Police spokesperson Captain Mavela Masondo said arrests were yet to be made and cases of robbery and murder were being investigated.

“Police have opened a case of murder and robbery after a 25-year-old man was stabbed and killed in Pretoria on Friday, 01 March 2019 at approximately 11pm.”

“It is alleged that the deceased and his friend were at the corner Pretorius and Steve Biko Streets when the deceased was accosted by a suspect who demanded his cellphone. As they were wrestling for the cellphone, the deceased was allegedly stabbed with a sharp object on the upper body. He was certified dead on the scene,” said Masondo.

The movie has earned praise in the film industry for its humour and authenticity.

My cousin was killed in cold blood 😭😭💔 robala ka kgotso ngwana lefika #RIPSibusisoKhwinana #MATWETWE pic.twitter.com/T07Iwt48E2

— The Comeback Will Be Greater Than The Start 👑 (@JussJonesZA) March 2, 2019

Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa has extended his condolences for the loss.

“We are devastated to learn of the tragic & untimely passing of Celebrated Actor & the pride of Soshanguve Sibusiso Khwinana whose talent was demonstrated in his performance in the box-office hit #Matwetwe. He was also a founding member of the Independent Theatres Makers Movement,” he wrote on Twitter.

We are devastated to learn of the tragic & untimely passing of Celebrated Actor & the pride of Soshanguve Sibusiso Khwinana whose talent was demonstrated in his performance in the box-office hit #Matwetwe. He was also a founding member of the Independent Theatres Makers Movement pic.twitter.com/uPETO7YmRI

— Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa (@NathiMthethwaSA) March 2, 2019

Just when you put your hometown Soshanguve in the map something like this happens 😭😭, Rest In Peace Sibusiso 🙏🏽. We will remain with the greatest movie produced by the legends @RealBlackCoffee @KagisoLediga #Matwetwe #RIPSibusiso pic.twitter.com/juDYD9O7YF

— ᖇIᗩ (@__ria_girl) March 2, 2019

NDABA|NEWSUPDATES: BREAKING NEWS – Shocking news about Sibusiso Queenana, from Matwetwe movie by KagisoLediga and Black Coffee. The actor was stapped to death by unknown thugs. Just when he got a big break yho 😞 Gone to soon #RIPSbu. #MATWETWE pic.twitter.com/osF115viCo

— Thulani Ndaba (@tndaba) March 2, 2019

Those who stabbed #Sbu to death deserve to be stoned to death, period. Jailing these maniacs is not enough.#RIPSbu🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊 #Matwetwe pic.twitter.com/IHYpsV7c4p

— Uncle Sammy🇿🇦 (@MashSammy) March 2, 2019

NDABA|NEWSUPDATES: BREAKING NEWS – Shocking news about Sibusiso Queenana, from Matwetwe movie by KagisoLediga and Black Coffee. The actor was stapped to death by unknown thugs. Just when he got a big break yho 😞 Gone to soon #RIPSbu. #MATWETWE pic.twitter.com/osF115viCo

— Thulani Ndaba (@tndaba) March 2, 2019

For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.