On 22nd January 2022, South Africa mourned the loss of a great actor- Patrick Molefe Shai who committed suicide at the age of 65.
Patrick Shai was a veteran actor, and film director who was known for his roles on shows such as Generations, Soul City, Ashes to Ashes and Zone 14 just to mention a few. He was also among the founding members of Free Film Makers of South Africa.
After his untimely death, questions about Patrick Shai’s personal life came up as netizens were curious to know everything about the late actor.
This article answers all the questions you might have about Patrick Moloi’s wife and his children, as well as a little peek into his background.
Patrick Shai’s wife
The late Patrick Shai’s wife was Mmasechaba Shai. According to some reports, Patrick Moloi met and married his wife when she was only 17 years old and she holds a Diploma and Degree in Labour law.
Not much has been published about Patrick Moloi’s wife who prefers to keep away from the limelight, but in 2017, she had an interview with Radio 2000’s presenter KG about a book she had published.
Titled “Removing the Mask: When Living A Lie Is No Longer An Option,” Mmasechaba Shai’s survival book narrates her life in the hands of her late husband who used to physically abuse her.
Patrick Shai’s wife’s book was published a few years after the actor confessed to being a recovering abuser and declared himself an anti-abuse campaigner.
During Patrick Shai’s memorial, his wife who had discovered his body in the garage of their Dobsonville home after he took his life, paid a moving tribute to him.
In her tribute, Patrick Shai’s wife asked people who were judging the actor to judge themselves first as they were not any better than him. She explained that Shai had not been a saint but nobody is and they should find it in them to forgive him.
Read also: Who was Riky Rick’s wife?
Patrick Shai’s children
Together with his wife- Mmasechaba, Patrick Shai was blessed with three children- Sechaba, Kopano and Tshepiso.
Their son Kopano Shai is following in his father’s footsteps as an actor and he had a role in SABC2’s drama- Hola Mpinji as Arabie. Besides acting, Kopano Shai is also a radio presenter and a deejay. During his father’s memorial, Kopano vowed to keep his father’s legacy alive by supporting his NGO called Khuluma Ndoda.
Patrick Shai’s other son is Sechaba Shai. The 37-year-old battled drug addiction for around 17 years of his life, but he is now clean from drugs. He opened up about how his parents did their best to help him fight his addiction.
During Patrick Shai’s memorial, his only daughter- Tshepiso Shai also paid a moving tribute to her father. She described him as the life of the party and a great dancer who always wanted the best for his children. She also vowed to keep his legacy alive.
May Patrick Shai’s soul continue resting and may his family find peace and comfort in each other.