Mandoza's bodyguard: We always prayed - he knew his time was close

Bodyguard to Mandoza, Meet Smorden, has spoken out about the man that he worked with for many years, calling the musician a brother to him.

Smorden appeared on SABC for an interview just hours after his friend died, saying that despite Mandoza's recent diagnosis, he is still in shock.

"I'm severely touched. I don't think it was his time. It was hard for me to come here when his manager asked me. I've been with this man for a long time. He's like my brother to me."

Smorden was emotional on the live broadcast explaining that he wanted people to know that Mandoza was a Christian.

"There's only one thing that I would actually love the entire nation to know and remember about Mandoza. I've been with him for a long time and I know all a lot about him. Mandoza was a Christian."

The bodyguard alluded to the fact that Mandoza knew that his life would soon come to an end.

• WATCH: Mandoza died in my arms‚ says former manager Kevin NtaopaneJust hours after news of Mandoza’s death rocked the nation his manager Kevin Ntaopane and his son Tokollo Tshabalala have opened up about the kwaito star’s final moments. 

"We always prayed when we got on the phone. Of lately, it's shocking. It looks like he knew his time was close."

Just 12 days prior to his death it was revealed that Mandoza had been diagnosed as having a brain tumour. This after he was diagnosed with cancer last year.

Although his family were concerned about his health, his wife Mpho was hopeful, telling TMG Entertainment that he was "okay".

Neighbours have told TMG Entertainment that there was supposed to be a party for his wife on Sunday and some friends and family had gathered the day before to celebrate and pray for the musician.