South Africa is mourning the loss of legendary actor, Patrick Shai after his family released a statement confirming his passing on Saturday.
“It is with great sadness to announce the passing of the veteran actor Ntate Patrick Shai. He passed away this morning (January 22 2022).
“We sincerely ask you to give the family time to process this painful loss. More details will be shared in due course,” read the family statement.
Patrick Shai took his own life
Police later confirmed that Shai took his own life and his body was discovered on Saturday morning by his wife, Mmasechaba Shai. He was found in the garage of his Dobsonville home.
When the family released the statement, they were not ready to confirm the cause of death yet. Since then, however, a SAPS communication has been released.
According to the communication, Mmasechaba found Shai “hanging” in the garage and after she untied him, she lay him on the floor.
Not all was well in Patrick Shai’s life
The reason for Shai taking his own life is not yet clear, however, the actor was known to be in the media for negative comments from time to time.
Patrick Shai and his wife have been married ever since she was 17-years-old, and a few years ago, Shai admitted to abusing her for years.
And in 2016, Mmasechaba opened up about the abuse and how Patrick was a “changed man” after finally seeing the error in his ways.
And only last week, the actor was criticised for using inappropriate language in a social media video when he challenged rapper Cassper Nyovest to a boxing match. He had to release a public apology to everyone that was affected by the video.
The actor is best known for his roles in Soul City, Generations, Skeem Saam, and Zero Tolerance.