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Cape Town – Urban Brew Studios is devastated by the death of its IT technician Skhumbuzo Mbuthuma whose life was claimed in the same accident that resulted in the deaths of TV stars Akhumzi Jezile, Thobani Mseleni, singer Siyasanga Kobese, and one more person.
The 5 people died after their car collided with another vehicle near Queenstown in the Eastern Cape on Saturday morning. Police spokesperson Captain Namhla Mdleleni told Channel24 that a case of culpable homicide has been opened.
"Skhumbuzo started at Urban Brew Studios as an intern in March 2015. A year later he was appointed as an IT technician. He was passionate, lively, energetic and willing to go beyond the call of duty to ensure success on every production or project he was involved in," Gugulethu Gregory, head of facilities at Urban Brew Studios said in a statement.
Speaking about the loss of Akhumzi, head of content and platforms at Urban Brew Studios Adelaide Joshua-Hill said: "Akhumzi touched the lives of all around him. I had the privilege of meeting him nine years ago and watched him grow from strength to strength. I watched him take his fame in his stride, taking time to stop and speak to his fans and friends alike. His attention to detail, passion for his craft and dedication to ups killing himself inspired me and those around him."
Siyasanga Kobese, who also died in the car crash, was another employee of Urban Brew Studios. "Siya started at YO.TV in 2016 as NamGcina, an aunt from a far away Xhosa village. Her role on the show was to make yummy healthy food for growing minds as well as sing and dance," said Urban Brew producer Intumeleng Nakedi. Siyasanga also made a name for herself as an actress and singer.
Tributes from local stars poured in on Saturday after news of the tragic accident was made public. The SABC also released a statement on Sunday.
Read the full press statement below:
