In a shocking and tragic incident, popular South African TikToker Sqiniseko Mvelase was shot dead while livestreaming on TikTok. The 27-year-old, originally from KwaMaphumulo in KwaZulu-Natal, met his untimely death on Thursday, 29 May, in Nigel, Ekurhuleni, Gauteng.
Mvelase had gained fame on the social media platform for his bold and outspoken commentary on maskandi, a traditional Zulu music genre. Known as a self-proclaimed maskandi music analyst, he regularly engaged with fans and critics alike in passionate discussions about the genre. Tragically, it was during one such live discussion with fellow maskandi enthusiasts that he was gunned down.
According to Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, the incident occurred while Mvelase was sitting in his yard. He was approached by an unknown suspect who opened fire, shooting him multiple times before fleeing the scene. The police have since opened a case of murder and investigations are ongoing. At present, the motive behind the attack remains unclear.
Colonel Nevhuhulwi stated, “It is reported that the victim was sitting in his yard when he was accosted by an unknown suspect who shot him multiple times before fleeing the scene. The motive for the attack is unknown at this stage, and police investigations are underway.”
Mvelase’s death has sent shockwaves through the TikTok community and among fans of maskandi music. Many users took to social media to express their disbelief and grief, while also raising concerns about the risks faced by outspoken online personalities. Some have speculated that his candid analysis and commentary may have angered certain fans or individuals involved in the often intense rivalries within the maskandi music scene.
Friends of the late TikToker confirmed his death. Thabang, one of his close friends, shared that on Friday, 30 May, arrangements were being made to move Mvelase’s body from a government mortuary to a private mortuary in preparation for his funeral. Another friend, Skhova Mhlongo, also confirmed that Mvelase had been shot and killed.
This is the second reported case of a South African TikToker being gunned down, following the death of Dubula Mbatha in 2024. The incident raises serious questions about the safety of online influencers and the growing violence linked to social media disputes.
As fans and followers mourn the loss of Sqiniseko Mvelase, many are calling for justice and demanding that the perpetrator be brought to book. His tragic death marks a somber moment for the TikTok and maskandi communities, serving as a chilling reminder of the potential dangers faced by digital content creators who share controversial opinions online.
The police have urged anyone with information related to the case to come forward to aid in the investigation.