Photo: Supplied
Photo: Supplied
The family of actress Thandeka Mdeliswa has revealed that their daughter succumbed to gunshot wounds suffered earlier this week, confirming her death via a statement this weekend. The rising star had built a significant public profile for herself before falling victim to another shocking case of gender-based violence (GBV).
Who is Thandeka Mdeliswa?
According to the family statement, Mdeliswa was attacked on Thursday 3 September. The incident took place in Evander, Mpumalanga, and the talented actress was rushed to hospital.
Despite a three-day fight for her life, Thandeka Mdeliswa passed away on Saturday, aged 34. Her acting credits include appearing in short films on Mzansi Magic, and star turns in iKani, eKasi: Our Stories as well as the film Uthando Lukayisa.
Well-known actress gunned down in ‘act of GBV’
The deceased has been described as an ‘inspiration’ who was valued dearly by both her family and local community. The Mdeliswas are now hellbent on securing justice for their daughter, as South Africa’s GBV epidemic claims another life.
“It is with great sorrow that we inform you of the passing of our dearest daughter. She was shot on Thursday 3 September. She passed on Saturday morning. She was a young, talented and inspirational actress and her family and community were looking to see her flourish. We had a lot of expectations for her.”
“The brutality which was affected on our daughter has left us deeply hurt. This is another incident of gender-based violence (GBV) which our country has to fight against. We believe justice will be served. Evander SAPS are continuing to investigate.”
Statement from Thandeka Mdeliswa’s family
It is with great sadness that we report the passing of South African actress Thandeka Mdeliswa. She was only 34.
— AllTheRage (@AllTheRage_SA) September 6, 2020
Below is a statement released by her family, detailing her last days and that she was a victim of Gender Based Violence ?
When will this end?#RIPThandekaMdeliswa pic.twitter.com/YN1Tm9x5dT
