Johannesburg – Mandla Hlatshwayo had planned festivities for his upcoming birthday, before he met his untimely death.
This is according to friends and family who described Hlatshwayo as a jolly, respectable soul. He and a friend, Oupa 'Chom Chom' Duma, were shot and killed allegedly trying to assist two women who were being robbed of their cellphones.
Phindile Hlatshwayo, Mandla's mother, had a heartfelt message to her son which reads: "Mandla my child. A thousand words won't bring you back. You we precious gift, my shining star put off before time. They say time will heal.
"You fooled me on Sunday, by being the first to wish me a happy Mother's Day. Only to realise that was an eternal goodbye. Days before your departure you told me to keep praying... You are so wonderful to think off, yet to hard to live without," she said.
Video: Nokuthula Zwane
Hlatshwayo's brothers and sister said they were not ready to say goodbye, in another tribute to their beloved brother.
Bikers to escort Mandla Hlatshwayo @ReporterStar @IOL pic.twitter.com/3ADFKFcunf
— Nokuthula Zwane (@Zwane_2Li2Ls) May 20, 2017
Hlatshwayo's fiancée Mamie Maleeme remembered her 'Boo Boo' as man of many talents, and asked for strength to raise their children without her soulmate at her side.
Jozi FM CEO Mpho Mhlongo giving a heartfelt tribute to Mandla Hlatshwayo. @ReporterStar @IOL pic.twitter.com/DQ5gXpu7W3
— Nokuthula Zwane (@Zwane_2Li2Ls) May 20, 2017
Police, JMPD and prominent bikers are expected to escort the convey of congregates to the Avalon Hero's acres cemetery, where Hlatshwayo will be laid to rest.
Mandla Hlatshwayo laid to rest at the Avalon Heroes acres this afternoon. @IOL @ReporterStar pic.twitter.com/LVD2TBejvB
— Nokuthula Zwane (@Zwane_2Li2Ls) May 20, 2017
Sophie Ndaba, Shugamaxx, Andile Gaelesiwe and Dj Mahoota are among the local celebrities paying their last respects to the humble gentle giant.
Hlatshwayo's friend 'Chom Chom' is expected to be laid to rest on Sunday.
@Zwane_2li2ls