By Rorisang Modiba
Kwaito star Sandile Ngwenya, better known as Mapaputsi, has died at the age of 45.
His manager, Busi Kunene, confirmed the sad news to TshisaLIVE, stating that Mapaputsi passed away on Thursday night.
A press statement will be issued, and a media briefing will be held soon.
Mapaputsi, known for his hit song “Izinja”, had been struggling with illness for over a year.
A close friend, who wished to remain anonymous, shared that although Mapaputsi had shown signs of recovery, he may have given up due to the intense pain he was experiencing.
“He was showing signs of improvement, but I guess he had given up. He was in pain, but looking forward to bookings for the festive season,” the friend said.
Another friend said: “We are heartbroken by the news. We thought it was a hoax, but we’ve seen it’s true. uMnganami [my friend] is no more, he lost the fight to recover.”
Just last month, Mapaputsi denied rumours that he was bedridden. He shared a video on his WhatsApp status while in Durban, saying he enjoyed his time there and encouraged people to book him for events.
Pictured above: Sandile “Mapaputsi” Ngwenya.
Source: X
