Kelly Khumalo Calls Out ENCA Over Death Hoax
South African singer Kelly Khumalo has publicly condemned ENCA News for falsely announcing her death during a live broadcast. The incident occurred on Tuesday, 7 January, when ENCA reporter Shahan Ramkissoon mistakenly reported that Kelly Khumalo had passed away.
The Death Hoax
During a segment on The Lead, Ramkissoon stated, “If you are just joining us, our breaking news story is that musician Kelly Khumalo has passed away at the age of 51. We will speak to her colleagues in a short while.”
The clip quickly circulated on social media, drawing criticism from both fans and Khumalo herself. The singer took to Instagram to address the blunder, expressing her outrage over the misinformation.
“@encanews you may hate me or even think very less of me, however, this is very reckless, ignorant, and disrespectful not only to me but to those who love and care about me, especially my kids. PUT SOME RESPECT ON MY NAME 👏🏽🤴🏾🐆,” Kelly wrote in a strongly worded post.
Her response highlighted the emotional toll such errors can have on individuals and their loved ones, particularly her children. Fans rallied behind the singer, calling on ENCA to issue an apology and take accountability for the mistake.
The Real Tragedy: Winnie Khumalo’s Passing
The confusion arose on the same day South Africa mourned the loss of another celebrated figure, singer and actress Winnie Khumalo. Best known for her hit song Live My Life, Winnie Khumalo passed away on 7 January after a short illness.
“As a family, at this stage we are deeply saddened. She was sick, and her daughter was out. It was her daughter who got back home to come and collect her so that she could be taken to the hospital. She tried to help her,” said Akeepile during an interview with SABC.
Tragically, Winnie passed away on the way to the hospital. “Unfortunately, on their drive to the hospital, that’s when she passed away. When they arrived at the hospital, they pronounced her dead on arrival. It is expected that we are devastated. We are at a loss,” added Akeepile.
Winnie Khumalo leaves behind her two children, Ntando Khumalo and singer Rethabile Khumalo, as well as three grandchildren, three sisters, and her mother.
Public Outcry and Call for Responsibility
Fans of both Kelly and Winnie expressed their frustration on social media over the ENCA mix-up. Many criticized the broadcaster for its lack of fact-checking before delivering such sensitive information, arguing that it disrespected both Kelly and the grieving Khumalo family.
The situation serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible reporting, particularly when it comes to matters of life and death. Kelly Khumalo’s reaction underscores the emotional impact such errors can have, and fans await a formal response from ENCA.
For now, South Africa remembers Winnie Khumalo for her legacy and contributions to the entertainment industry, while Kelly Khumalo continues to demand accountability and respect for her name.
