Sibusiso Khwinana. Image via Instagram: @queenanasibusiso
#RIPSbu: Matwetwe actor Sibusiso Khwinana stabbed to death
Rising star Sibusiso Khwinana killed for a cellphone.
Sibusiso Khwinana. Image via Instagram: @queenanasibusiso
Sibusiso Khwinana, the lead actor in one of South Africa’s current Top 10 films, Matetwe, was reportedly stabbed to death on Friday night in Pretoria.
Police confirmed that the 25-year-old acclaimed actor was fatally stabbed at the corner of Pretorius and Steve Biko Streets after he was “accosted by the suspect who demanded his cellphone.” In addition, SAPS spokesperson Captain Mavelo Masondo told Times Live:
“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.”
Details are still sketchy
No arrests have been made as yet, and the details surrounding his death are vague. Therefore, officials are calling on the community and anyone who might have information to call Crime Stop or contact the nearest police station.
This is unbelievable , condolences to Sibusiso Khwinana’s family and friends, such a talented young man with a bright future ahead of him #RIPSibusisoKhwinana pic.twitter.com/EaM9GR3eBO
— Vuyolwethu Ngcukana (@vuyomse) March 2, 2019
A rising star
Matwetwe, produced by Kagiso Lediga and DJ Black Coffee, premiered at South African cinemas on 25 January. It became an instant hit, reaching the R4m milestone at the box office within the first month.
Apart from portraying the lead role in Matwetwe, Khwinana was also the founder of the Independent Theatre Makers Movement. In an interview back in 2018, Khwinana said we are “too young to be fighting.”
His goal was to create more options for South African artists and creatives, hoping it gives them the opportunity to “use [that] energy to create new things.” He explained:
“We help artists discover that they can do things for themselves. We had a wealth of material, but nowhere to perform it.”
Watch: Matwetwe trailer
Before landing the lead role in Matwetwe, his production of Best Friends, Worst Enemies went to the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown in June 2018, and at the Fringe Festival in July.
South Africans shared tributes on social media:
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
— Min. Nathi Mthethwa (@NathiMthethwaSA) March 2, 2019
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) sends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues on the passing of Sibusiso Khwinana
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) March 2, 2019
Official Statement To Follow #MATWETWE pic.twitter.com/ROdWQqtfdY
What a loss!!!!
— Black Coffee (@RealBlackCoffee) March 2, 2019
How long will it take for us to realize we have a crime problem as country,how many people must die before we do something.Who must we trust to protect us and our Families,who must we vote for?#ripsbu pic.twitter.com/461PvICnZt
This is HORRENDOUS NEWS, the endearing breakout star who we have all just fallen in love with from Matwetwe; Sibusiso Khwinana was killed last night. ?? #RIPSbu pic.twitter.com/6xcvZWwAi9
— NINA HASTIE (@THATninahastie) March 2, 2019
Just after the movie last night. Death do not be proud, pta cbd is not safe at night #MATWETWE #RipSbu pic.twitter.com/pkPCimYT7e
— Hustlers Ambition (@Mpho_Doskie17) March 2, 2019
I don’t blame the politicians. I blame us. We elect them. Fail to hold them accountable. Strike, burn schools & loot shops when unhappy.
— Vusi Thembekwayo (@VusiThembekwayo) March 2, 2019
But then, re-elect those same people… owing to past loyalty or the boogey white man. #RIPSbu
