CAPE TOWN – Rhythm City actor Dumi Masilela has died after he was shot in an attempted hijacking outside Johannesburg, police and e.tv confirmed on Thursday.

“He passed away in a hijacking on Wednesday,” the private broadcaster said.

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“E.tv sends their condolences to Dumi’s family, friends and Rhythm City colleagues.”

Police spokesman Kay Makhubela said Masilela and a friend sped off after they were approached by attackers in a Jeep in Tembisa on Wednesday night. The men responded by firing at them. Masilela was at the wheel and his friend took him to hospital where he passed away.

“He managed to drive off but the friend took over and took him to hospital where he was reported dead this morning,” he said.

Masilela’s younger brother Mbongeni confirmed that he spent the night in hospital fighting for his life.

Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa issued a statement on Twitter, saying he has learnt with “absolute shock and dismay” of the 29-year-old actor’s death.

Masilela was a former soccer player but turned to acting after a car accident and played the part of Sifiso Ngema in Rhythm City, a soap series on e.tv, for the past five years.

He recently married actress Simphiwe Ngema.

– African News Agency (ANA)

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