Odwa Shweni, from Centurion, Johannesburg, has been identified the actor who fell to his death while filming in the Drakensberg on Thursday.
The 39-year-old actor was shooting a fight scene at the Sterkspruit Waterfall near Monks Cowl. It is believed he lost his footing and fell 40m off a cliff. His body was recovered on Friday morning.
The film crew is still traumatised by the actor's death.
One of the film’s producer’s, Gillian Schutte, said: “This has been a tragic accident and our thoughts and condolences go out to the deceased's family as well as friends and co-workers on the production. Many of us who worked on the shoot are still in a state of shock and trauma”.
Shweni’s family had come to KZN on Monday and were already headed back. Schutte said she could not comment further on the accident.
Speaking to the Sunday Tribune last week, a tour guide, who wished to remain anonymous, said the cast had arrived on the day like normal visitors and paid R40 entrance.
“They didn’t have a guide because they never requested one and no one knew they would walk as far as to that part of the cliff. They rehearsed at a very dangerous section of the reserve. There was no way that guy could have survived, the cliff he stood on is slippery and there’s a huge waterfall. We were called when there was this incident and we searched till very late,” he said.
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Tributes started pouring on social media on Monday for the fallen actor. Entertainment blogger Phil Mphela wrote on Twitter" ...He was someone's partner, son, brother and father! Keep his name and story alive so it can be a catalyst for change for performers in South Africa. #RIPOdwaShweni"
The actor who died in Drakensberg's name is Odwa Shweni. He was 39 years old and lived in Centurion.
He was someone's partner, son, brother and father! Keep his name and stpry alive so it can be a catalyst for change for performers in South Africa #RIPOdwaShweni pic.twitter.com/j6KTjxIBO1
— Phil Mphela (@PhilMphela) April 16, 2018
Guys I can't believe this story, it breaks my heart. Bhuti' Odwa Shweni was a first time actor and this production company didn't have any safety precautions, no stunt coordinator and they weren't even supposed to be there. 😢
— Ngawo La Mazangwe (@ngawoz) April 16, 2018
Neither actor nor crew should ever be put in a dangerous situation for the sake of a film shoot. Odwa Shweni should not have fallen to his death in a film set. A lot more questions must be asked. Very serious questions.
— Mme a Masakona (@FloMasebe) April 17, 2018
Odwa shweni eish may his soul Rest in peace aw mare😩😩 #RealTalkWithAnele
— 💞💋💖LOVE💖💋💞 (@m0326Lerato) April 16, 2018
I did not know Odwa Shweni. I am mad as hell that he died on a film set while being made to shoot a clearly dangerous stunt. His producers have very serious explaining to do. On set safety is disregarded far too easily in our industry. #RIPOdwaShweni
— Mme a Masakona (@FloMasebe) April 17, 2018
Police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Thulani Zwane confirmed that an inquest docket had been opened.