Cape Town – Tributes are pouring in on social media following the death of legendary actor Patrick Shai, who reportedly took his own life.
Shai died on Saturday.
“It is with great sadness to announce the passing of the veteran actor Ntate Patrick Shai. We sincerely ask you to give the family time to process this painful loss. More details will be shared in due course,” his family said in a statement.
Shai, who was best known for his roles in Generations, Soul City and Zero Tolerance, died a few days after he received backlash on social media over his use of inappropriate language, as he challenged rapper Cassper Nyovest to a boxing match in a video posted on Twitter.
He, however, later retracted the distasteful video and apologised to both Cassper and South Africans, saying that he should’ve known better.
ALSO READ | Former Generation actor Patrick Shai dies
“I should have known better as an adult. My apologies, I humbly, humbly from the bottom of my heart, apologise for having used such strong language towards your mom. Even though the challenge would’ve been an ideal thing, now it has been soured by what I said. I apologise from the bottom of my heart, please forgive me and forgive me South Africans. I am regretting every bit of the last sentence that I used, I’m sorry,” said Patrick in a video.
According to EWN, in 2019, the actor was caught in the crossfire between police and residents in Dobsonville.
He was shot 11 times with rubber bullets while attempting to intervene during a stand-off between residents and the police.
Shai also started a non-government organisation to help abusive men called Khuluma Ndoda after he admitted to physically and emotionally abusing his wife, the report said.
Following his death, messages of condolences have been pouring on social media.
Take a look:
View this post on Instagram
It was incredible learning from you and sharing laughter. Ntate #PatrickShai made me feel like a star. ?️?️?️ Rest well Ntate.. pic.twitter.com/VNtBbW6pg7
— Chriselda ‘Babes We Ndaba’ Lewis (@Chriseldalewis) January 22, 2022
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Never judge those who are simply defeated by the long, hard struggle to stay alive.
When one dies after a long illness, people say “Ulwile shame”
Yet with suicide, they think that no fight was involved, that they simply gave up.
NOT TRUE.
I hope Patrick Shai is at peace now? pic.twitter.com/9l2B0yyGTp
— Mzilikazi (@SneMzilikazi) January 22, 2022
The man was the MC at my wedding as we were neighbours. We were like family in Mmesi Park. So gutted by your passing Bra Patrick Shai ? #RIPBraPat pic.twitter.com/fUqhJldR5b
— ?Original Maqhawe? (@MaqPaulM) January 22, 2022
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Picture: Twitter/@PhilMphele
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
