Rhythm City actor Dumi Masilela was no stranger to the men who shot him dead in an attempted hijacking in Tembisa two months ago. The three men arrested in connection with actor Dumi Masilela's attempted hijacking are appearing in the Benoni Magistrate's Court on charges of murder on Friday.

Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Lungelo Dlamini said the three men who had been held in connection with the failed hijacking of Masilela had been charged with murder as well.
The 29-year-old Rhythm City actor died in August after he was shot at by the occupants of a black Jeep.

The actor and former professional football player was shot once, but still managed to drive himself to hospital, where he had surgery. He died later that day as a result of his injuries.
Three people were arrested shortly after Masilela's death.
Dlamini said following further investigation, the three men had been charged with murder as well as attempted hijacking.

PHOTOS: Dumi Masilela's Memorial service
Multi-talented star Dumi Masilela died on Wednesday, the former Idols SA contestant was shot in the upper body and then later died. A memorial service was held to honour the star on Wednesday August 9, 2017 in Kempton Park (Johannesburg), followed by the funeral service on Saturday at the same venue.




Masilela's wife Simphiwe Ngema was with him during his final moments, comforting him before he was taken to the operating room.
"Dumi was so strong and that's were I'm getting my strength from right now," Simphiwe said at her late husband's memorial service.
Speaking about their relationship with God, she said, "But God is still God. And what comforts me is that I saw God in Dumi. God lived through him."

Dumi’s Last Words: ‘Be Strong For The Family’
Dumi Masilela’s younger brother, Mbongeni, said just hours before he died, the slain Rhythm City actor urged him to be strong for the family.

“He told me I had to be strong and that he’d also be strong for me and the family,” said Mbongeni outside the family’s Kempton Park home.

Masilela,29 was with a friend in a white Golf 7 in Tembisa when they were approached by a black Jeep on Wednesday evening. The Jeep’s two occupants apparently tried to hijack them. Masilela drove away and the hijackers opened fire on the vehicle.

“The wounded Masilela could drive to a certain point, then his friend took over and drove him to hospital, where he died this morning,” said police spokesperson Lieutenant Kay Makhubela on Thursday.

Mbongeni said the Rhythm City actor was shot in the waist and the bullet had damaged many of his organs.

The family is angry about the way he died.
“I cannot lie to you, it has been tough. Last year we lost our father, and now it’s Dumi. My mother is a strong, praying woman,” said Mbongeni.

His aunt also died this week.
Mbongeni described his brother as a determined fighter who, after a serious car accident in his early twenties, battled to recover.

“Doctors told him he’d never walk again. He stopped his soccer career [he played for the national Under-23 side and SuperSport United] and it was painful to see him suffering,” he said.

Mbongeni spoke of how his brother loved his wife, Simphiwe Ngema, and said they were “like magnets attracting each other. They were inseparable.”
Masilela married the actress a few months ago in a traditional ceremony.
Ngema was by his side as Masilela went into theatre, but he died while doctors tried to save his life.

“It’s been hard for Simphiwe and my mother – they’re not coping at all,” Mbongeni said.