'For SABC news, I'm Pearl Shongwe ... ' — Tributes pour in for Metro FM newsreader and 'Daily Thetha' host

Tributes have been pouring in since the news of Pearl Shongwe's death broke on Tuesday evening.

She was a newsreader on Metro FM and presenter on SABC1’s talk show Daily Thetha at the time of her death.

On its official website the SABC said business manager for Metro FM Kina Nhlengethwa said Pearl's family had confirmed the news.

“It is with great sadness that the Shongwe family announces the untimely passing of our beloved daughter, Ntombifuthi Pearl Shongwe. She passed away in her sleep,” reads a statement from her family, who asked for privacy.

Twitter was abuzz with people expressing their shock and hurt over the seasoned TV and radio presenter's death.

The cause of her death is yet to be made public, but it is believed she was found dead in her Polo Fields home.

“The SABC’s Metro FM news presenter Pearl Shongwe has passed away. It’s understood she died at her Polo Fields home north of Johannesburg,” read a tweet from SAfm.

Metro FM's DJ Sabby took to his Twitter timeline: “Rest easy sis Pearl Shongwe. You were always a positive person and such a career-driven individual. It was an honour working with you and knowing you. Condolences to your family, friends and colleagues.”

Bonang Matheba also shared her heartbreak.

“‘... for SABC news, I'm Pearl Shongwe...’ rest well darling,” the former Metro FM host tweeted.

“Pearl Shongwe lived life, a happy soul. She left her mark, her work was beautiful on TV and on Metro FM. May her soul rest in peace, ” wrote one tweep.