Staff ReporterThe entertainment world was recently struck by the unfortunate news of the demise of acclaimed playwright Mbongeni Ngema. As tributes poured in from various celebrities via social media, one particular homage attracted significant attention and subsequent skepticism.
Somizi Mhlongo, a well-known personality and former judge on ‘Idols SA,’ claimed to have received a poignant message from Ngema, which he shared in a now-deleted Instagram post. The alleged WhatsApp text expressed Ngema’s gratitude towards Mhlongo for his unwavering support. Ngema supposedly wrote, “You were the only one of all my hundreds of children who stepped forward for me,” acknowledging Mhlongo’s unique support.
However, this claim was soon under scrutiny. Internet detectives quickly deduced that the message was not actually sent by the late theatre legend. The analysis of the screenshot suggested that it was captured by the sender, not the receiver, raising doubts about its authenticity.
Social media users did not hold back their opinions. The comments section of Mhlongo’s posts became a hotspot for criticism and humor. One user jocularly suggested, “What if Mbongeni’s spirit took Somizi’s phone and texted?” while others outright accused Mhlongo of fabricating the message.
Despite the controversy, Mhlongo chose not to address the issue publicly and continued to post about his professional engagements, including an upcoming event at the Durban ICC. However, his followers were not ready to move on, with many revisiting the incident in their comments.
Meanwhile, the Eastern Cape forensic pathology services have completed an autopsy on Ngema and released his body to his family in KwaZulu-Natal, marking the next stage in honoring the legacy of the revered artist.