The sudden death of seasoned broadcaster Pearl Shongwe sent shockwaves throughout the country on Wednesday morning.
Many were left gutted after the family of Metro FM newsreader confirmed that the 35-year-old Shongwe was found dead at her residence in Polofield, in the north of Johannesburg on Tuesday afternoon.
A source, who did not want to be named for fear of reprisal, told Sunday World on Tuesday that Shongwe was found dead by neighbours who alerted the police. “The police are on the scene trying to establish the cause of her death,” said the deep throat.
Another mole said she was found lying dead alone in her home. “All I can say at the moment is that no injuries were found. It appears that she might have died of natural causes. She was found lying on her bed, face down,” said the tipster.
On Wednesday, a flood of messages of condolences continued to stream in from her colleagues in the media industry and those who admired the radio personality for her work ethic.
Shongwe also co-hosted Daily Thetha, an exciting audience-driven educational TV talk show that seeks to inspire the youth.
Her co-host, Melody Miya, tweeted: “I need words to help me fathom this … for many reasons I never ignore my phone, kanti [only to discover] it was the announcement of ukushona kwakho [your death] MaShongwe, Mtimandze [clan name].”
Shongwe’s former Metro FM breakfast show co-host DJ MoFlava wrote: “This is a tough one to take,” while S3 Morning Espresso presenter Katlego Maboe said Shongwe’s warmth and smile will forever remain etched in his heart.
“The mark you have left will never be erased. May your beautiful soul find eternal rest in the arms of our Father in heaven,” wrote Maboe.
A police inquest docket has been opened at the Midrand police station. The inquest, said the police, will assist to establish the cause of death.
The SABC has learned through the family of Pearl Shongwe that she has sadly passed away. The SABC extends its heartfelt condolences to the Shongwe Family.#RIPPearlShongwe pic.twitter.com/cwAj8cPdVV
— SABC (@SABCPortal) November 8, 2022
I had an interview last week @METROFMSA little did l know it was time to say goodbye #RIPPearlShongwe 💔 pic.twitter.com/YvYzjfh4zi
— KeepHopeAlive (@OskidoIBelieve) November 9, 2022
🕊️ 🕊️🕊️🕊️ pic.twitter.com/24zEXvNT1w
— MoFlava (@moflavadj) November 9, 2022
Deepest condolences to the Shongwe family, to Pearl’s friends & colleagues, to her @METROFMSA, @daily_thetha and @SABCNews family, and to all those who loved her work and whose lives were richly blessed by Pearl’s presence and by her life. 🕯🙏🏾 #RIPPearlShongwe https://t.co/aIVXuFJ9Gh
— Hulisani Ravele (@HulisaniRavele) November 9, 2022
☠️ @orlandopirates is saddened by the passing of Pearl Shongwe.
On behalf of the extended @orlandopirates family, we convey our heartfelt and deepest sympathy to the Shongwe family.#RIPPearlShongwe
⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/aGJioHqrQf
— Orlando Pirates FC (@orlandopirates) November 9, 2022
This day is eternally etched in my memory coz it was here that I truly saw your love for your community!! 🥹 In between the tears and running eyeliner!! Robala ka Kagiso 😢🤧🤯 https://t.co/K9jD5GIXhQ
— DJ Fresh (Big Dawg) (@DJFreshSA) November 8, 2022
Sleep well friend . Lovely soul . Always smiling . Always positive . Great human . Love always . ❤️ Rest now Pearlito . pic.twitter.com/MpaBuy7XRe
— Solomzi Thandubuntu (@Solphendukaa) November 8, 2022
Follow @SundayWorldZA on Twitter and @sundayworldza on Instagram, or like our Facebook Page, Sunday World, by clicking here for the latest breaking news in South Africa. To Subscribe to Sunday World, click here
