On the evening of Monday, 9 September, Kwaito artist Mapaputsi made headlines on X after shocking news emerged about his death.

The musician’s body was reportedly held hostage by a friend who tried to extort money from his family.

The Tragic Passing of Mapaputsi

Mapaputsi, whose real name was Sandile Ngwenya, died on Thursday, 5 September, at the age of 45.

The beloved artist’s death has been met with immense sadness from his fans and the music community.

Disturbing Allegations: Family’s Ordeal

Mapaputsi’s family has shared distressing details about the aftermath of his passing.

According to reports, a friend of the musician offered to transport Mapaputsi’s body from the Durban morgue to Johannesburg for free.

However, it later emerged that this friend was attempting to extort money from the family.

He allegedly demanded that they use a specific funeral company and threatened them with withholding the body if they refused.

Extortion Demands and Police Intervention

Celebrity blog Maphepha Ndaba reported on Tuesday, 10 September, that the friend demanded R50,000 for the death certificate, making it clear that the body would not be released without payment.

Additionally, the friend requested Mapaputsi’s mother’s bank details without providing a clear reason.

This shocking situation led to intervention from the police, an anti-corruption organization, and the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture to secure the body and necessary documentation.

Cause of Death and Family’s Plea for Privacy

In a statement to IOL, Mapaputsi’s family confirmed that the musician passed away in hospital on Thursday evening after a brief illness.

They expressed their gratitude for the public’s support and requested privacy during this difficult time.

Earlier in May, Zimoja reported that Mapaputsi had been bedridden at his Soweto home, with a source close to him revealing that he had been ill since late 2023.

Public Outrage: Calls for Justice

South Africans have expressed their outrage on social media, with many calling for the friend to be arrested. Comments include:

@RegoSmurf: “We’ve all heard the sermon from our elders about the friends you keep. But this one inja (dog) straight.”
@Mndeni361: “This unscrupulous friend is clearly a member in good standing of the KZN extortion mafia.”
@IntrovertWanted: “The friend should be investigated. You will be surprised he has a hand in Mapaputsi’s death for insurance cashouts. Life is full of surprises.”
@Natty3_LFC: “Using someone’s death to enrich yourself is insane.”

The public is now calling for the friend to be held accountable for his actions.

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