The South African entertainment industry was left in shock following the sudden and mysterious death of acclaimed actress Busisiwe “Busi” Lurayi, best known for her role as Phumzile in the SABC sitcom City Ses’la. Lurayi was found dead in her Edenvale, Gauteng home on Sunday, July 10, 2022, under circumstances that have since raised suspicions of foul play.
According to reports, Lurayi’s lifeless body was discovered by her father, Freddy Mokoena, who arrived at her apartment after being unable to reach her. The scene he encountered painted a troubling picture. Lurayi was reportedly lying face up on her bedroom floor, with visible bruises on her legs and blood streaming from her mouth.
Although the official cause of death has not yet been confirmed, those close to the actress have voiced serious concerns. Speaking anonymously, one associate questioned how natural causes could explain the injuries and bleeding. “If she died of natural causes, then why did she have bruises on her legs and why was blood coming out of her mouth when her father found her? Something is amiss here. We can’t wait to see what the autopsy report says,” the associate said.
Another friend described the circumstances as deeply puzzling, noting that Lurayi was loved by many and had no known enemies. “She was always a jolly person who brought joy to everyone around her. If someone harmed her, that would be shocking, because she never provoked or hurt anyone. The police must do a thorough investigation,” the friend added.
A police statement later confirmed the presence of injuries and bleeding at the scene. Sgt Dlamini of Edenvale SAPS, who attended the incident, reported that he found the actress lying in one of the bedrooms, dressed but with visible bruising on her legs and blood oozing from her mouth. Emergency responders from ER24 arrived shortly afterward, but Lurayi was declared dead on the scene. She had been alone in the house at the time of her death.
Lurayi’s career was marked by notable roles across South African television. Apart from her beloved performance in City Ses’la, she appeared in Sokhulu and Partners as Winnie Molepe and took on the role of Swazi Lukhele in Generations. Her talent and charisma made her a household name, and her passing has left fans and colleagues devastated.
She was laid to rest on Wednesday in Kempton Park, with family, friends, and fellow actors paying their last respects. Her father, visibly emotional, remembered her as a blessing in his life. Sharing a touching memory, Mokoena recalled mornings when they would play Ray Charles music together. “She would sing ‘It’s Crying Time Again’. When I saw her lying there, I realized it truly was that time—to cry again,” he said.
The Gauteng provincial police spokesperson, Captain Mavela Masondo, confirmed that authorities are awaiting the results of a toxicology report, which will help determine the exact cause of death. Until then, the possibility of foul play has not been ruled out.
Busisiwe Lurayi’s sudden passing has left an irreplaceable void in South African television. As investigations continue, her fans, friends, and family hope that clarity and justice will prevail.
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