The former actor who was now a DJ at Jozi FM, which broadcasts to Soweto, Kagiso, Lenasia, Krugersdorp, Randfontein, Kempton Park, Germiston and Alberton, was with a colleague when he was shot at.
Police said both men were shot dead outside a pub in Pimville, Soweto, on Sunday night. Details remain sketchy, but initial reports said four men entered a pub and tried to rob female patrons of their cellphones. Hlatshwayo and his colleague intervened and were both shot dead.
No arrests have been reported.
Tributes have poured in for the slain actor on Twitter:
#MandlaHlatshwayo and his FRIEND lost their lives protecting women. Sad that only the famous and good looking make headlines. 😢💔😩
— ♛The Trillest King♛ (@TumediTreezy) May 15, 2017
#MandlaHlatshwayo how hurtful it is to lose one of a kind.
God pls rest his soul in your blossom.
— TANGI (@18opson) May 15, 2017
#MandlaHlatshwayo mm 2016 2017 has been a bad year to our entertainment industry,heroes hav fallen.to the fam and frnds be strong #RIPMANDLA
— €£_M@®t@d{}🌍™ (@TheOnlyStzebha) May 15, 2017
Take a man's life then steal his shoes 😠😤😠😤_can't believe we breathe the same air as those scums of the earth_ R.I.P #MandlaHlatshwayo
— Fortune (@4tune999) May 15, 2017
Men die everyday protecting their families/friends/women/property. This #menaretrash needs to be revised. Rest In Power #MandlaHlatshwayo pic.twitter.com/TkRRpoYg6q
— Sam (@SpokenSam) May 15, 2017
We need to act against the abuse of women in our society. The courage of #MandlaHlatshwayo and his friend shouldn't be in vain.
— S.S. Masango (@Czwe_Mas) May 15, 2017