South African TikToker Sqiniseko Mvelase Shot Dead While Livestreaming on TikTok
Popular TikToker and self-proclaimed maskandi music analyst Sqiniseko Mvelase was shot and killed while livestreaming on TikTok on Thursday, 29 May.
The 27-year-old was reportedly engaging with fans about maskandi music when he was ambushed and shot multiple times at his home in Nigel, Ekurhuleni.
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Police confirm murder investigation
Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed the incident, stating that officers at Dunnottar police station were investigating a case of murder.
“It is reported that the victim was sitting in his yard when he was accosted by an unknown suspect who shot him multiple times before fleeing the scene,” said Nevhuhulwi.
“The motive for the attack is unknown at this stage, and police investigations are underway. The deceased is said to have been a maskandi music reviewer on TikTok,” she added.
Friend describes traumatic discovery
Sqiniseko’s friend Thabang said he had left the influencer at home earlier that morning. He received a flood of calls later in the day, alerting him that Sqiniseko had been gunned down during a TikTok Live session.
“I left him in the house in the morning on Thursday and during the midday I received many calls asking what was happening about Sqiniseko. They said he was shot when he was live on TikTok. I rushed to the house, and I found him dead lying down, and that moment was traumatic to me because I don’t know what happened. I don’t know who shot him and I don’t know what the reason for his death could be. Those who watched him live on TikTok said he was sitting down, and someone came at his back and shot him,” he said.
Controversial but passionate content creator
While the motive behind the killing remains unknown, Sqiniseko’s commentary on maskandi music often stirred debate. Many fans accused him of taking sides in ongoing rivalries within the genre.
His death has sparked widespread mourning among TikTok users, with many expressing disbelief over the sudden and brutal nature of the killing.
Thabang revealed that the family had begun the process of moving his body from a government mortuary to a private funeral home as preparations for his burial got underway.