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Who was Thandeka Mdeliswa? 27-year-old South African TV actress shot dead in ‘gender-based violence’

A police spokesman described the homicide as a "heinous incident associated with gender-based violence". She was shot to death after she overheard an argument between her brother and two unidentified men

South African actress Thandeka Mdeliswa succumbed to her injuries two days after being shot in her own home. The 27-year-old TV star was killed in what police described as a "heinous" crime of gender violence. Authorities are currently on the hunt for the shooter, The Sun reported.

Mdeliswa was shot in Evander, Mpumalanga, last Thursday and was rushed to a hospital. Unfortunately, she died on Saturday. Family members described the victim as "a young, talented, and inspiring actress."

"It is with great sadness that we inform you of the death of our dearest daughter," they said in a statement. "The brutality that was inflicted on our daughter hurts us deeply. This is another incident of violence against women (gender-based violence) that our country has to fight against. We believe that justice will be done.”

Police spokesman Brigadier Leonard Hlathi described the homicide as a "heinous incident associated with gender-based violence". According to the report, Mdeliswa was shot to death after she overheard an argument between her brother and two unidentified men.

"We cannot let such inexplicable acts go unpunished, so we appeal to the public to help us locate the killer," said Police Commissioner Lt. Gen. Mondli Zuma. "He stole from the family and [took from] the country a young life and talent.” Authorities said they have identified the owner of the gun, but are still looking for the one who "pulled the trigger."

"We are currently investigating this matter and we have not arrested anyone," spokesperson Hlathi explained. "Yesterday, we brought the owner of the gun to book and we were advised to get the person who pulled the trigger. We are busy with our investigation. Anyone with information that can assist should approach the Evander Police Station or any police station around."

Friends and fans of the late actress took to social media and shared their memories of her. “We took this picture back in 2017, it was both our profile pictures for the longest time... Little did we know that the same dark cloud would sweep you away. I’m deeply shocked and angered by your death. Till we meet again,” wrote Tshepiso Shikwambane, as she shared a picture of herself and Mdeliswa.

Meanwhile, Mdeliswa's 'iKani' co-star Florence Masebe said she was saddened by the tragic news. “It hurts more than I can explain. There can never be enough flowers to comfort a grieving mother. #RIPThandekaMdeliswa," she tweeted.

Mdeliswa landed her first TV gig in 2013, when she debuted in an episode of hit anthology drama series ‘eKasi: Our Stories’. However, she would be best known for her leading role as Khanya in the SABC 'iKani' drama series.

“Thandeka is best known to millions of our SABC1 viewers as Khanya, a role she played in the IsiNdebele drama series, Ikani," the public broadcaster said in a statement. “The SABC is even more disturbed by news reports that her death came as a result of gunshot wounds in an apparent gender-based violence incident."

“The SA TV industry has indeed been robbed of a young, talented and promising life, violently and senselessly taken away from our society in its prime," it added. "We direct our prayers and heartfelt condolences to family, friends, and colleagues.”