Mandoza’s family at his bedside for final moments

Speaking to TimesLIVE from a family home in Soweto, relatives of kwaito star Mandoza have said they were at his house in Zola in Soweto last night.

An aunt and an uncle to the musician who did not want to be named told us that family had gathered at Mandoza’s house last night to pray.

They confirmed that he passed away on Sunday.

Earlier this month the star confirmed that he had a brain tumour after a long-standing battle with cancer. A statement released by the family said that he was “fighting for his life” but his wife, Mpho, later told us that he was doing “okay.”

Mandoza performed at the Thank You SABC Concert held on 10 September at Orlando Stadium last week. He was applauded for his bravery and determination, thanking fans for their support.

Meanwhile, family and friends have gathered at his house in Pimville to pay their respects.

Neighbours outside his house have told us that his death came as a shock as everybody expected him to pull through as he has so many times before.