Award-winning South African singer and songwriter Johnny Clegg is mourning the death of one of his longstanding backing vocalists, Bongani Masuku, who was shot dead in central Johannesburg on Saturday night.
Police say 50-year-old Masuku was shot and killed after an altercation with four unknown men who attempted to rob him and a passenger in his vehicle.
The police's Katlego Mogale says Masuku was accosted after parking his car on Princess Street in Troyeville.
"It's alleged that he was with a friend when he was accosted by four suspects. Three of them went to the passenger where they demanded a cellphone and one forced him out of the vehicle and demanded the keys.
"A struggle ensued for the keys and the suspect fired several shots into his torso."
The passenger was unharmed, police are investigating the exact circumstances surrounding his death.
Johnny Clegg's Facebook status on Sunday read:
"It is with shock, anger and deep sadness that we mourn the violent killing last night (Saturday 17th May) of our beloved Bongani Masuku, our long standing and dedicated backing vocalist. Bongani first worked with Johnny Clegg and Savuka in 1992, and continued with Johnny Clegg Band until the present time.
He was a stalwart performer and hardworking musician and good friend.
"We will miss him deeply and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and all who knew him."
Fans have paid condolences to the famed artist on Twitter.
Police say 50-year-old Masuku was shot and killed after an altercation with four unknown men who attempted to rob him and a passenger in his vehicle. Picture: Facebook.
http://ewn.co.za/2014/05/18/Johnny-Cleggs-singer-killed
It is with shock , anger and deep felt sadness that we mourn the violent killing last night (Saturday 17 th May) of our beloved Bongani Masuku , our long standing and dedicated backing vocalist . Bongani first worked with Johnny Clegg and Savuka in 1992 , and continued with Johnny Clegg Band until the present time . He was a stalwart performer and hardworking musician and good friend .
We will miss him deeply and we extend our heart felt condolences to his family and all who knew him .
The Johnny Clegg Band
http://johnnyclegg.com/
