He was once one of Tshwane's finest Bacardi music producers and deejays. Elvis Maswanganyi, famously known by the name DJ Mujava, brought hits such as Mugwanti/Sgwejegweje, King Of Bacardi and Township Funk. But the fallen star is said to have been hooked on the addictive drug, nyaope, and roaming the streets of Atteridgeville outside Tshwane, begging for money.

STREET WALKING

The musician was spotted by a former music industry friend. The former friend who is not comfortable with having his name shared in the media says he saw an embarrassed Mujava and tried to help. "At first, I did not recognise him, but then when I looked closer, I saw it was him, dirty and begging for money," the friend says. "Obviously, he was ashamed because it looked like he had not bathed for days, and he was smelling. I just gave him a bit of money and left."

MENTALLY UNWELL

The friend says he returned after a few days in the same area to check up and see where he could assist. "I found him smoking nyaope with some other boys, he did not want to leave. He is not okay mentally," the friend adds. "Nkare ba mo loyile (It's as if they bewitched him). He was walking barefoot and talking by himself," the friend adds. "I know it's very hard to help someone addicted to nyaope or drugs and someone who is mentally not okay. I wanted to help, but I can't," he says. "I asked one of the guys he was with if his family have tried to help him and they said, every time they fetch him, he leaves and goes back to the streets," the friend adds.