Iconic SA actor, Joe Mafela, killed in Joburg crash
Legendary South African actor, Joe Mafela, has died. He was 75.
According to reports, Mafela was involved in a fatal car crash in Johannesburg last night.
He was well-known for his role in popular 90's comedy, Sgudy's Snays, and most recently as Tebogo Moroka on Generations: The Legacy.
Mafela's niece, Millicent Mulelu, confirmed the incident - saying the family were still waiting for police to release further details surrounding Mafela's death.
"It happened last night around 10pm on the M1 north between the Oxford and Houghton offramps. We don't have full details of the accident just yet, but that's what happened," she said.
During his illustrious career, Mafela received two life-time achievement awards: the Theatre Management Lifetime Achievement in 2005, and the Savanna Comics’ Choice award in 2015.
Meanwhile, Twitter has been abuzz with tributes to the iconic actor, since news of his death broke:
Sad News.. My Uncle Joe Mafela passed on last night. @SowetanLIVE @sundayworld @SAFilmSociety @Penguin_Film pic.twitter.com/s0g9qAEYE6
— Anthony Mafela (@zaaibooconcepts) March 19, 2017
We would like to extend our deepest condolences on the death of legendary actor Joe Mafela. Ulale ngoxolo tata.. #RIPJoe pic.twitter.com/Imv56G4ZKP
— South African Gov (@GovernmentZA) March 19, 2017
Woke up to Tha saddening news that we've lost a pioneer,great man,great role model an a pillar..R.I.P😥❤🙏 #joemafela pic.twitter.com/NSN4QyZrEy
— 🔥🔥Prodby759🎹🎹 (@I_Is_SlyGunz99) March 19, 2017
The tragic passing of #JoeMafela is heartbreaking. He was our original King of Comedy! Hamba kahle Sdumo!
— Mondli Zondo (@MoZondo) March 19, 2017
#RIP to the greatest comedian from my childhood #JoeMafela. pic.twitter.com/TOwsk8zkBa
— King William George (@JusCallMeWill) March 19, 2017
So sad waking up to the news of this legend's passing💔 #JoeMafela pic.twitter.com/FLxbZ8gCu0
— Alex Granger (@alexgranger) March 19, 2017