Former The Lion King and Isibaya actor Andile Gumbi has died after suffering a cardiac arrest in Israel last week.
Gumbi, 36, was in Israel playing role of King Nebu in the Daniel The Musical, at the Jerusalem Theatre in Jerusalem.
In a statement on behalf of the Gumbi family, he passed away in the early hours of Friday morning.
“It is with profound sadness we share the news that our beloved Andile passed away this morning. Andile received the best medical care possible,
“We request that the family be given space to grieve and that their privacy be respected during this difficult time.
“The family will make a statement at the appropriate time,” said the production team of ‘Daniel The Musical’.
His wife was flown in by the production company earlier this week to be by his side while he was in ICU.
According to his former employers, they had just learnt if his passing this afternoon and were still in shock.
Isibaya executive producer Adze Ugah told Sunday World that he was unable to comment at this stage as a production house.
Gumbi played the role of Zweli Ngubane on Isibaya.
News of his death has shocked a number of people across the country:
https://twitter.com/ChristoThurston/status/1187699421074591745
Sad to learn of the passing of Andile Gumbi. Such a brilliant young star. A heart attack can be so silent and so unexpected. My sincere condolences to his loved ones. #RIPAndileGumbi pic.twitter.com/0ag2PEeZUZ
— Ulrich Janse van Vuuren (@UlrichJvV) October 25, 2019
By Nokuthula Zwane
