A death hoax or confusion over someone's death can spread like wildfire, leaving friends, family, and fans panicking. Imagine reading on social media that your loved one is dead when they are not.
Heavy K's fans were left in a state of panic following radio-host and entrepreneur Sizwe Dhlomo's cryptic tweet. This follows after he tweeted "Eish… RIP Heavy."
His followers flooded his comments section with questions about which Heavy was he referring to. In Heavy K's case, it was a case of mistaken identity, as many thought it was him even though Sizwe's tweet was vague about which Heavy he was referring to.
Many Twitter users thought he was referring to the award-winning Heavy K. Taking to his Twitter account Heavy K assured his fans that he is very much alive and he's not dead. "I’m sure this whole thing skipped @SizweDhlomo’s mind because of the shock or something no hard feelings, but guys, I’m okay & alive," he tweeted.
I’m sure this whole thing skipped @SizweDhlomo ‘s mind because of the shock or something no hard feelings but guys I’m okay & alive.🙏🏽❤️
Some Twitter users have found it unfair for celebrities to not give clear details when someone dies, making them also panic. Should we honestly wait for the family to confirm such sensitive news before sharing on social media?
"This thing of SA celebs being gatekeepers of Funerals must stop. If you are going to keep people on the suspense of someone's passing, then don't post it."
Another celeb who was recently hit with a shocking death hoax is Israel Zulu. Through his PR team, Israel Zulu laughed off these death rumors and said he was very much alive and was recovering at home with his family.
“The rumor of the passing of GP-MaOrange remains that: rumor. They are an annual occurrence without fail. Israel is very much alive, recovering at home with family, and in high spirits. He will be celebrating his birthday on the 28th of December, and maybe those wishing him dead will for once have an opportunity to wish him long life then. He saw the rumor and just laughed it off,” reads the statement.
The actor recently left Gomora due after being diagnosed with gangrene which was making it difficult for him to work. Opening up about his illness, he said it started as some mild pains which he took as a passing phase. He added that they then made it difficult for him to give his all to the show.
"I love Gomora as a show which I have been close to from its inception, more so that it set up in my hood Alexandra township. At the same time I am the kind of actor who when I do what I like I want to be able to go full force, give it my all," he continued.
He thanked the producers of the show and his fellow actors for understanding and for carrying him until the end, “I appreciate the show producers and fellow actors for their understanding and for carrying me until the end. I apologise to the multitudes of my fans for my exit and hope you continue to support the show, especially the young crop of actors who are really doing their best to make it exciting. I am currently receiving the best medical treatment, and I am in high spirits having passed what I believe to be the worst stage of my situation.
