by Thinus Ferreira
The young actor Thapelo Maropefela known for his role in the SABC1 drama series The Kingdom has died just before his 25th birthday.
The actor and model was recently assaulted by 8 security guards in Maboneng in Johannesburg and was hospitalised.
His older sister, Kamogelo Maropefela announced Thapelo Maropefela's death on social media, and said that the actor had died just before turning 25. The cause of his death is not yet known.
"I'm so sorry. Your story was not meant to end now. Not on the eve of your 25th birthday. We are hurt. Cut deep. Empty. But we will try to celebrate you in our mourning. So difficult for me to say rest easy, because it wasn't your time to rest yet! Aow papa. I'm so so sorry. We think of you today, and forever. May your spirit find peace."
"What pains me the most is, he never spends his birthday at home," she said. "This year, he assured my mom he was gonna be home for his birthday. Unfortunately he didn't make it. He left us, on the eve of his birthday."
"I love you so much. Till we meet again, Sthape. Happy Birthday, little bro."
RMJ Artist Management in a statement said that "The industry has yet lost again! We would like to send condolences to Thapelo Maropefela's family, close friends and supporters. Thapelo was a rising star in the entertainment industry. He is an actor well known for his recent role as Kagiso on SABC1's The Kingdom."
