UPDATE: Centurion actor death investigated
Guild will determine lack of safety during film rehearsal.
Safety protocol investigations into the death of SA actor, Odwa Shweni (39) is underway after the KZN police said there are allegations of the lack of safety procedures.
Shweni, an ambitious actor from Highveld Centurion, fell to his death last week Thursday during a movie rehearsal in the Drankensberg.
Durban police spokesman Colonel Thulani Zwane said the actor appeared to have slipped and fell into the river around 17:30.
It was believed that the fall was about 40m.
His body was recovered from a pool below on Friday morning.
“The police and rescue workers were unable to look for him on Thursday evening as it was too dangerous and the search continued the following day,” said Zwane.
An employee and family friend, Ali Rodolo said Shweni’s untimely death came as a shock to the whole family.
“The family is going through a very difficult time,” said Rodolo.
“He was like a brother to me. I have known him since he was a teenager.”
Rodolo describes Shweni as being a humble person.
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“He was full of life and a walking encyclopaedia. He was well-read on any topic.”
He said Shweni was an IT specialist and pursued acting as a hobby.
“We will miss him.”
The deputy chairperson for the SA Guild of Actors, Adrian Galley said Shweni’s death is a huge loss for the film industry.
“We’ve lost one of our own,” he said.
Galley said Shweni was a very talented actor and had a bright acting career ahead of him.
He also said that the SA Guild of Actors will pursue the relevant departments to intervene to determine the lack of safety during the film rehearsal.
“Our deepest sympathies to his wife and two young children.”
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