Tributes are still pouring in for the late Mpho “The Gyad” Netshinombelo. The 27-year-old Vhembe content creator and social media personality was struck and killed by a vehicle last Thursday while exercising along the R522 road outside Louis Trichardt.
Vhembe police spokesperson Captain Vuledzani Dathi confirmed that a case of culpable homicide has been opened, while possible negligent driving is also being investigated. According to Dathi, the driver of a Toyota Hilux allegedly lost control of the vehicle before hitting Netshinombelo. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel responded but declared him dead at the scene.
Netshinombelo’s father, Mr Aron Netshinombelo, said the family was devastated by the loss of a son they regarded as a dedicated and ambitious content creator. He said the family is still waiting for clarity on the circumstances of the incident.
“What we know so far is that on the day he left for jogging, everything seemed normal. From there, no one knows exactly what happened,” he said. “Mpho was my son, and he was a go-getter who strove to improve the lives of everyone close to him. He helped many people, including needy young people. As a family, we all looked up to him. We are heartbroken about his death,” he added.
Since his death, tributes have continued to pour in, including messages of condolence from the Makhado mayor’s office.
One of his followers, Mashudu Makamu, wrote on Facebook: “Just woke up to the sad news of the death of my brother. He was on every single one of my Facebook Live sessions and showed me love and support from the very first day. We had so much online content planned. You will be missed, buddy. Rest well. My deepest condolences to the family.”
The late Netshinombelo will be laid to rest on Saturday, 18 April, in Tshikota, with the funeral service scheduled to start at 06:00.