The country was rocked by the news of Thapelo Maropefela's sudden death on the eve of his birthday. His passing was revealed by his sister Kamo Maropefela who revealed she and her family, was just waiting to celebrate his birthday at their home for the very first time.
Thapelo played the role of Kagiso on SABC 1's The Kingdom and was only 24 years old when he passed away, on October 24. He would be celebrating this 25th birthday the following day with his mother for the first time but unfortunately he met his untimely demise. Daily Sun is reporting that the late The Kingdom star was allegedly attacked by three security guards and was then later hospitalised.
The alleged assault took place in Maboneng, Johannesburg where the security guards struck him using 'heavy objects.' This was reveled by his uncle who represents the Maropefela family.
“He was brutally assaulted by security guards in Maboneng. They bludgeoned him causing grievous bodily harm. He died from the wounds inflicted on him. We will miss his infectious smile and calmness in difficult situations.
His family is in disbelief that he passed away whilst his future looked bright. They commended his passion for the arts and how he was focused in mastering his talent. He is a product of the AFDA after all.
“We can’t believe we’ve lost such a promising young actor. At 25, he has achieved beyond our imagination. He was passionate about his talent and focused on mastering it. He loved his family and friends so much, gave the biggest hugs and the brightest smile.”
He will be laid to rest on Friday, 29 October and the funeral service will take place at the Anglican Church in Mohlakeng, Randfontein.
Announcing his death was Kamo his sister who was also shocked beyond control. "Friends and Family, unfortunately my little brother, Thapelo Maropefela, left us is the early hours of today. Please give my family and I some space to process and arrange everything."
In another tweet she did hint that it was more than one person who did something to him, "I just wanna to hug him and apologize for what they did It's not fair."
She then spoke about his birthday, "What pains me the most is, he never spends his birthday at home. This year, he assured my mom he was gonna be home for his birthday, unfortunately he didn't make it. He left us, on the eve of his Birthday. I just can't. I cannot!"
Thapelo graduated at the AFDA 'The School for the Creative Economy' as a film and theatre student. He was born in Mafikeng. His career got kick started on the films Heaven Reaches Down to Earth, Timêla and his latest TV gig was on SABC 1 where he played Kagiso on The Kingdom.
What pains me the most is, he never spends his birthday at home This year, he assured my mom he was gonna be home for his birthday Unfortunately he didn't make it.
