Fans mourn Mandla Hlatshwayo at his memorial service in Protea South
The late actor/DJ has been described as a hero who gave up his life to save that of a woman.
Worship and praise songs filled the hall in Protea South as mourners came to celebrate the life of former Generations actor Mandla Hlatshwayo this afternoon.
Hlatshwayo was brutally killed in an armed robbery attempt in Meli Pub in Pimville on May 14 with close friend, Oupa Duma.
According to police reports, the pair were killed while trying to help the victims of the robbery, not knowing it would be their last act of heroism.
Programme director and colleague, Lungile Masondo described Hlatswayo as a gentle giant who enjoyed having a laugh with his colleagues.
Tsepo Junior, programme manager of Jozi FM, spoke of fond memories with the entertainer while working as a DJ at the station.
Hlatshwayo’s former colleagues on popular soapie Generations, who came out to show their support with Jozi FM CEO Mpho Mhlongo, said, ” What happened to him, was not supposed to happen, but for as long as we as men don’t do what Mandla did we are trash.
He took action. For as long as we keep quiet we are trash.”
Mhlongo said Hlatshwayo was at his happiest on Sunday and described how he heard the news of his former employee to saddened mourners.
Hlatswayo’s family could not contain their tears as speakers told stories and Protea South residents of the worshiped in praise songs.
Since his murder, four suspects have been apprehended and detained by police in connection with the crime.
MEC for Social Development Nandi Mayathula-Khoza said,” We are saying goodbye to who all knew as DJ Mandla and former actor.
We are here to pay tribute to the late Mandla Hlatshwayo.
On behalf of the Gauteng government, we remember a hero who gave his life in order to save a woman.
He’s a legend of the people of Soweto.”
Mandla’s death comes at a time when the country is still battling with the scourge of violence against woman.
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