Actress Nompilo Maphumulo rubbishes viral death hoax

Celebrated actress Nompilo Maphumulo says her death hoax came as a shocker, and it unsettled her family members.

With an illustrious career spanning years, actress Nompilo Maphumulo has fast become one of the most sought-after actresses in South Africa. She has wowed many with her unmatched acting flair and is best known for her on-screen character on South Africa’s most-watched soap, Uzalo.

Social media was abuzz after rumour mill made it known that the actress was shot dead.

ACTRESS NOMPILO MAPHUMULO RUBBISHES DEATH HOAX

Rumour mill had it that she was shot dead by a gunmen while in her car in Johannesburg. Reports have it that Nompilo Maphumulo’s family was left traumatised after hearing the news via social media.

However, against the news, The South African has since confirmed that the reports were a death hoax. The actress has it that she was shocked when close friends and family reached out to her after the news made rounds on social media.

She has it that she only learned of the news through people and the media who wanted to verify it.

Speaking to the media, Nompilo Maphumulo said, “I was shocked and pinched myself to ensure I wasn’t dreaming. How could anyone falsely claim that someone is dead while they’re still alive? To make matters worse, the news reported that I was attacked by gunmen. It’s outrageous, and I’m furious about it.”

Nompilo Maphumulo joins a host of celebrities who have fallen victim to death hoaxes, including Skeem Saam actress Lydia Mokgokoloshi. In 2023, she was reported dead, but she later took to the media to confirm that she was alive.

CONFRONTING TABLOIDS AND BLOGGERS

However, Nompilo Maphumulo said people should verify news before making it public.

She added, “Why would I be targeted by izinkabi? Do I have enemies? No, I don’t. I don’t know any gunmen. So why spread such false news? This has traumatised my family. I had to explain everything to them and try to calm them down. The damage caused is significant.”

Nompilo Maphumulo also took a swipe at people who caused distress to her family. The actress has it that she had to explain that she was not dead, as alleged by tabloids and social media.

WHAT COULD BE DONE TO ADDRESS FAKE NEWS?

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