Acting industry in shock as veteran Patrick Shai found dead
It is suspected that he took his own life after suffering from depression for a while
By Sihle Mkhize
Messages of condolences are pouring following the death of renowned actor and director Patrick Shai.
Patrick Shai reportedly took his own life at his house in Dobsonville, Soweto and was found dead on Saturday morning.
His family have since confirmed his death in a statement which reads: “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. Thank you.”
Shai made headlines last week after he shared a video of himself where he verbally attacked Cassper Nyovest. He called Cassper a son of a b*tch and also insulted his family.
In the video, Patrick Shai also challenged Cassper to a boxing match. He said: “Before I die I want to make sure that I’ve beaten you so that on my Tombstone it’s written that old man really gave me a beat down”.
Cassper reacted to the video expressing his disappointment stating that SHai had gone too far than Twitter banter.
A heavy Twitter war then began with some coming to Cassper’s defence and Shai later apologised for the offensive words he had said.
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“I humbly, humbly apologise from the bottom of my heart for using strong language towards your mom.
“Even though the challenge would have been a real thing, now it has been soured by what I said.
“Ke kopa askies (I am asking for your forgiveness) from the bottom of my heart. I am regretting every bit of the last sentence. I am sorry,” he said in the clip.
Meanwhile, news about his death comes barely three days after he issued the apology . It is suspected that he was heavily depressed and the latest Twitter episode may have added to his situation.
Shai was best known for the roles in the television series such as The Beloved Country, Hearts and Minds, 7de Laan, Soul City, Generations and Zero Tolerance.
He was one of the founding members of Free Film Makers of South Africa.
