Actor Henry Cele, famous for his role as Shaka Zulu, died in Durban’s St Augustine’s Hospital on Friday afternoon.
The 58-year old actor passed away in the intensive-care unit of the hospital, a statement released by the hospital said.
He had been admitted to the hospital more than a week ago with a chest infection.
Cele became famous for his chilling portrayal of Shaka Zulu in the South African Broadcasting Corporation’s 1986 Shaka Zulu miniseries, and the subsequent film that also starred Edward Fox and Christopher Lee.
He also starred in films such as the 1993 film Point of Impact and the 1990 film The Last Samurai.
Born in Durban in 1949, Cele was a professional soccer player prior to becoming an actor.
He was known as Henry ”Black Cat” Cele in his position as goalkeeper for several professional soccer clubs.
His funeral will be held next week in Durban. His wife, Jenny Hollander, was at his bedside when he passed away. — Sapa