As a tribute to the slain actor Dumi Masilela, Rhythm City recently took a decision to to incorporate his death into the exit storyline of his character, Sifiso Ngema.
The Rhythm City star was shot in a suspected hijacking in Tembisa in August and later died in hospital.
Producer Yula Quinn said the show decided to put together an episode which would be a celebration of both the actor and the character.
Masilela's character appeared for the last time on the soapie on October 11.
A moving special on-screen memorial service, which took place on October 18, left fans in tears as they remembered the 29-year-old star.
[Watch] A celebration of life! We will miss and love you always Dumi.❤ Watch the full #RhythmCity episode here: https://t.co/kJFnOZ0dt1 pic.twitter.com/PJ1edg9hjj
— Rhythm City (@eRhythmCity) October 19, 2017
Quinn said the memorial was only agreed upon following extensive consultation with the family.
In loving memory ❤We will love and miss you always Dumi. #RhythmCity pic.twitter.com/wMVyeaguvS
— Rhythm City (@eRhythmCity) October 18, 2017
"After extensive consultation with the Masilela family, the producers of Rhythm City have decided to incorporate Dumi Masilela’s tragic death into the exit storyline of his character," read a statement.
The tribute episode featured Masilela’s mother Sabatha Magdeline and brother Thabani .
Thabani tweeted: “Hope y'all are watching @eRhythmCity In honor of my late my brother @DumiLive miss you too much bro”.
We pay tribute to Dumi Masilela one last time tonight with a memorial for his character, Sfiso. #RhythmCity, 7PM. pic.twitter.com/nY2sdwZ7bA
— Rhythm City (@eRhythmCity) October 18, 2017
Fans shared their tribute messages to Masilela and commended the show for honouring the star.
#Rhythmcity ish this is great honor and touching too. pic.twitter.com/Bg1Dp75Y5G
— phuti mathobela (@phuti_mathobela) October 18, 2017
Can't hold my tears...Thank you @etv @eRhythmCity That's how you pay someone tribute. May his soul rest in peace #RhythmCity
— Stoffer MaLiQ (@stopher_malik) October 18, 2017
To the Rhythm City crew, thanks for this episode. You guys are amazing and today you've shown that you truly are a family 🙏🙏🙏
— One&OnlyCAROL (@CarolNgobeni1) October 18, 2017
Reneilwe singing How do I😢😢😊,Oh Lord!!🙌🙌 Today's soapie got me weeping pic.twitter.com/Zwn1m92be8
— Mbalenhle👑 (@priscillasejake) October 18, 2017 The respect I have for the crew is immeasurable👏. I sense the realness💔.Thank you RC for giving Dumi a platform😢,he'll be dearly missed❤
— Phenyo Yulenda (@phenyo_yulenda) October 18, 2017
We create amazing bonds with characters and they become a part of our lives. When they hurt, we hurt. May his precious soul rest in peace😢💔
— Patience Mamabolo (@KatliMamabolo) October 18, 2017
His brother looks just like him. That was a great tribute never to be forgotten @eRhythmCity
— Vina Akkum (@Vinakkum) October 19, 2017
“Thank you for celebrating my boy’s life” – Dumi Masilela’s Mom. Read more: https://t.co/qBr8IJqO0l pic.twitter.com/yDSGdspvbz
— Rhythm City (@eRhythmCity) October 19, 2017