He has been ill for some time and was allegedly refusing to go to hospital. ZiMoja recently reported that Kwaito music veteran Mapaputsi, real name Sandile Ngwenya, had fallen on hard times and had health issues which led him to be bedridden. Close friends have revealed that the Izinja singer has passed on in the care of his parents.

PASSED ON

Mapaputsi has been battling an unknown illness since last year, however, he came forward to say he had been doing well and recovering. "I am okay, I am not dying, whoever said I am dying is lying," he said in a video shared on social media two weeks ago. An inside revealed to ZiMoja that things had worsened for the singer and he was not eating and was frail. "There was not much progress with his health and he's been sick in bed since October last year,' the source said. Mapaputsi's family showed a grave concern for his health as it only deteriorated. A close family friend confirmed the kwaito singers passing in the early hours of this morning.

REST IN PEACE

The friend and colleague who did not want to be named said, Mapaputsi family is still processing the news. "I cannot reveal all the details, as we will be waiting for his family to address the media and close friends,' he said. "Sandile has passed on, he suffered dearly. He fought but he lost the battle. The family will share all the details of his passing.' Mapaputsi passed on just before his friends were preparing for a benefit concert to raise funds for his medical bills. "Pity, it did not materialise," the friend said.