By Rorisang Modiba
- Chweneyagae died in the early hours of Tuesday morning, according to close friends who confirmed his death.
- He rose to fame in the Oscar-winning Tsotsi and became a fan favourite as Cobra in The River.
Presley Chweneyagae, the actor who played the lead role in the Oscar-winning film Tsotsi, has died.
He was 40.
Friends confirmed that he died in the early hours of Tuesday morning, EWN reported.
Chweneyagae, who was also known by his nickname Cobrizi, shot to fame in 2005 for his unforgettable role as a troubled gangster in Tsotsi. The film won an Oscar and brought global attention to South African cinema.
His performance earned him a Golden Horn Award at the first South African Film and Television Awards in 2006.
After Tsotsi, Chweneyagae stayed in the spotlight with powerful roles in local dramas. His most popular role was as Thuso “Cobra” Mokoena in The River, a character that became a household name across the country.
Cobra’s popularity led to a spin-off series focused on his story.
Chweneyagae’s death has shocked fans and the entertainment industry, where he was seen as one of South Africa’s finest actors.
He is remembered not only for his acting skills but also for inspiring young artists in townships who saw him as proof that talent could rise to international fame.
This is a developing story.
Pictured above: Presley Oageng Chweneyagae.
Image source: @PresleyOagengChweneyagae
