Adifele Lastborn Maimela, popularly known as Fuego (Baswele Mfana), was shot and killed at his residential apartment in Polokwane in the wee hours of Tuesday, 7 April allegedly by a tow truck driver.
News of Fuego’s death were confirmed by his manager, Potego Nkgadima in a statement released on Tuesday.
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“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our artist, Adifele Lastborn Maimela, also known as Fuego (Baswele Mfana), who tragically lost his life in an unfortunate incident.
“He was not only a talented artist under our banner, but also worked closely as the personal producer and DJ to Natiey Lepaka. His passion, dedication and contribution to the music industry will never be forgotten,” he said.
Fuego is known for hits such as Mamacita and Lekompo la Mosamaria.
Potego said Fuego’s family will advise on his funeral arrangements in due course.
Although Potego did not disclose the cause of Fuego’s death, Daily Sun learnt from several sources that Fuego and a friend were followed to their apartment by a tow truck driver and his accomplice.
An argument allegedly erupted over the woman and the tow truck driver fired a shot at the artist. Fuego sustained a gunshot wound and was rushed to the nearest hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The alleged shooters drove to the police station, where they informed the police that they fired a shot at people who had allegedly kidnapped the woman.
As they were narrating their story, the police received a phone call from employees of the hospital where Fuego was admitted.
They told the police that they had admitted a patient with a gunshot wound and that anyone who arrived at the police station to open a case linked to the incident should be arrested.
The police then arrested the men who were at the police station.
Limpopo police spokesman, Malesela Ledwaba confirmed that the police arrested two men aged 25 and 27 in connection with a shooting in Magazyn Street in Polokwane in the early hours of Tuesday.
“It is reported that at approximately 02:00, the 26-year-old male victim was at a rented residence with his girlfriend when two male suspects, allegedly known to the girlfriend, arrived at the premises.
“An altercation reportedly ensued between the victim and the suspects, which later escalated when additional individuals joined the confrontation.”
“During the incident, one of the two suspects, who is known to the girlfriend allegedly produced a firearm and fired shots, wounding the victim,” he said.
Ledwaba said after the shooting, the same shooter reportedly asked his friends to help transport the victim to hospital using his vehicle, where he was certified dead upon arrival.
“The police were notified and through swift investigation, the suspect who allegedly fired the shots was arrested together with his friend. The firearm used in the commission of the crime, which is licenced, was confiscated for further investigation,” he said.
Ledwaba said the suspects have been charged with murder and are expected to appear before the Polokwane Magistrates Court on Thursday, 9 April.
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Limpopo Artists Movement chairman, Mphoza Mashabela said they were reeling in shock.
“This is a great loss to the lekompo community, citizens of Limpopo and music lovers in general. But our organisation will make sure he is given a decent and dignified funeral,” he said.
