South African news broadcaster eNCA found itself in hot water after news presenter Shahan Ramkissoon mistakenly reported the death of singer Kelly Khumalo instead of musician Winnie Khumalo, who passed away on Tuesday.
The error caused an uproar, with Kelly Khumalo herself expressing her outrage on social media.
In a strongly worded Instagram post, the singer called out the broadcaster for its carelessness.
“@encanews, you may dislike me or hold me in low regard, but this is incredibly reckless, ignorant, and disrespectful - not just to me but to those who love and care about me, especially my children. PUT SOME RESPECT ON MY NAME,” Kelly wrote.
Ramkissoon took to X issued an apology admitting the gravity of his error.
“I made an honest mistake, which I corrected shortly afterwards on air. It was a slip of the tongue as I ad-libbed the story. I take full responsibility for the error. To those seeking to amplify this for attention: do what you must trend and stay blessed,” he wrote.
I made an honest mistake, which I corrected shortly afterwards on air. It was a slip of the tongue as I ad-libbed the story. I take full responsibility for the error. To those seeking to amplify this for attention: do what you must trend and stay blessed. 🙏🏽 #WinnieKhumalo pic.twitter.com/f21rSUdCNJ
The sudden death of Winnie Khumalo, known for her hit song "Live My Life", has left her fans and loved ones heartbroken.
The singer, who was 51, died on January 7 after a brief illness.
Family spokesperson Tshepi Akeepile shared the devastating details of Winnie’s final moments.
“She was unwell, and her daughter had gone out. When her daughter returned home to take her to the hospital, Winnie’s condition worsened during the drive. Sadly, she passed away en route and was pronounced dead on arrival.”
The family expressed their deep sorrow over the loss.
“It is an incredibly painful time for us. Winnie had a son, Ntando Khumalo, a daughter, Rethabile Khumalo, three grandchildren, three sisters, and her mother. We are heartbroken and trying to come to terms with this loss,” Akeepile said.
IOL