According to a statement released by her management agency MLA (Moonyeenn Lee Associates), Shoki Mokgapa committed suicide, Sowetan reports. “The South African film and television industry has suffered a loss in the passing of local actress Shoki Mokgapa, the statement reads.
"After a long struggle with clinical depression, she took her life on Tuesday 25th of September at the age of 34. She was a brave woman who had been seeking help but the disease proved to be stronger than she was."
"Her family and friends are currently together, going through the process of mourning and burial. They celebrate their daughter and appreciate all the love that her fans and peers have extended to them.,” the statement continues.
Shoki’s memorial service will take place on Tuesday, October 2, at the Market Theatre in Johannesburg.
South Africans have taken to social media to express their shock and sadness. Mokgapa's friend and colleague, Mandisa Nduna is among those who have joined the outpour of tributes.
"I think it'll be her quirkiness that I miss the most and of course the tremendous talent she had. It's a huge loss to the industry and with Sew The Winter To My Skin doing so well‚ it's difficult to think that she won't be a part of the celebrations."
The actress graduated at Johannesburg-based AFDA film school with a BA Degree in live performance. She made her first South African TV debut on SABC3’s series The Lab and bagged a South African Film and Television Award for her lea role in local Afrikaans film SINK. She's also acted in TV shows such as Ashes to Ashes, The Lab, Sokhulu & Partners and Intersexions.
Reporting: Sowetan
