Actor who fell to his death in the Drakensberg has been identified as Odwa Shweni. The 39-year-old aspiring actor from Centurion, Johannesburg, died after he plunged more than 40 metres to his death over a waterfall in the Drakenberg during rehearsals for the film Outside.
“The South African Guild of Actors (SAGA) says it will also be asking questions about the alleged lack of safety on set at Outside during the film rehearsal. The actor who died in Drakensberg’s name is Odwa Shweni. He was 39 years old and lived in Centurion. He was someone’s partner, son, brother and father! Keep his name and stpry alive so it can be a catalyst for change for performers in South Africa (sic)” – Entertainment Blogger Phil Mphela announced on Twitter.
One of the film’s producers, Gillian Schutte, said: “This has been a tragic accident and our thoughts and condolences go out to the deceased’s family as well as friends and co-workers on the production. Many of us who worked on the shoot are still in a state of shock and trauma”.
According to KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Thulani Zwane the actor fell and died around 17:15 and the police’s search and rescue unit was unable to look for him since it was too dark and dangerous.
His body was removed from the water on Friday morning at around 10:00 with members from Search and Rescue from Pietermaritzburg and Empangeni who were at the scene.
Odwa is survived by his wife and two small children.