Rumors are currently circulating on social media about the passing of legendary actor Setlhabi Taunyane, best known for his role as Bra Kop on Rhythm City.

Johannesburg, South Africa (BBC) — A wave of mourning swept through South Africa this morning as news broke of the supposed death of veteran actor Setlhabi Taunyane. The 69-year-old, beloved for his iconic role as Bra Kop Khuse in the long-running e.tv soapie Rhythm City, was reported to have passed away, leaving fans in disbelief.

But what started as a somber tribute quickly unraveled into a tale of misinformation, bizarre photos, and family relief. How did a simple rumor escalate into national heartbreak?

The alert came from entertainment reporter Musa Khawula, known on X (formerly Twitter) as @Musa_Khawula, with over 242,000 followers. Around 9 a.m. on September 12, 2025, he posted: “BREAKING: Legendary actor Setlhabi Taunyane has passed away.”

The message, shared without details on the cause, spread like wildfire. Tributes flooded social media, with users recalling Taunyane’s decades-long career, from stage work in Toronto during apartheid exile to his commanding presence on South African screens. “Rest in peace, Bra Kop. You made us laugh and cry,” one fan wrote, amassing thousands of likes.

Taunyane’s journey has been one of resilience. Born on April 27, 1956, in Johannesburg, he honed his craft in Canada for over a decade, performing in theatre amid South Africa’s turbulent 1980s. Returning home, he faced rejection and even homelessness before breaking into TV.

His role as the wise, street-smart Kop in Rhythm City from 2007 to 2021 cemented his status as a legend, earning him a SAFTA nomination and endless admiration. Married to a Zimbabwean woman – a detail often highlighted in profiles – Taunyane kept his personal life private, focusing on his craft. At 69, he was enjoying semi-retirement, occasionally guest-starring in shows like Isibaya.

The grief was palpable. Hashtags like #RIPSetlhabiTaunyane trended nationwide, with celebrities and ordinary South Africans sharing memories. “He was the father figure we all needed,” posted one user. But amid the sorrow, an odd twist emerged: photos of Taunyane receiving a Thai massage surfaced, shared by entertainment commentator Jabu Macdonald (@Jabu_Macdonald, with 92,000 followers).

The images, timestamped recently, showed the actor on a table, face down, with a masseuse working on his back alongside actor Vusi Thanda, known for Scandal!. Macdonald captioned: “What is this? Setlhabi Taunyane getting a Thai massage with Vusi Thanda? ”

The post, viewed over 50,000 times within hours, injected confusion into the mourning. Fans reacted with a mix of humor and suspicion. “Attempted murder? Bra Kop looks too relaxed for a dead man,” joked one commenter.

Others speculated: “If he’s massaging, how’s he dead? Fake news!” The photos, apparently from a wellness event or spa day, clashed starkly with the death claim, prompting questions about timing. Were they old, or proof of life? Social media sleuths dissected the images, noting Taunyane’s familiar smile and build, but no context clarified their origin.

As the day wore on, the rumor gained traction through reposts on Facebook groups like Mzansi Celebrities, reaching millions. Khawula, a controversial figure often criticized for unverified scoops, doubled down initially, citing “sources close to the family.” His track record includes past debunked stories, like premature reports on other stars’ deaths, fueling accusations of sensationalism. In a media landscape hungry for clicks, such posts thrive on emotion, but at what cost? Fans expressed anger: “This is disrespectful. Let legends rest in peace – or not die at all!”

Tension peaked around noon when Taunyane’s family issued a statement via a close associate. “Setlhabi Taunyane is alive and well. He is currently resting at home after a routine check-up. The reports are false and heartbreaking,” it read. The actor himself, reached by phone, laughed off the hoax: “I’m here, alive, and plotting my next role. Thanks for the love, but save the tears.” The family urged media responsibility, highlighting the emotional toll on his wife and children, who had been bombarded with condolences.

Relief washed over Mzansi. Tributes shifted to celebrations: “Bra Kop lives! Legend forever,” trended next. The massage photos, now humorous relics, were reshared with captions like “Even in ‘death,’ he’s getting pampered.” Vusi Thanda confirmed the images were from a 2024 charity spa event, unrelated to today’s drama. Macdonald apologized for the confusion, deleting his post amid backlash.

This incident exposes the perils of rapid-fire reporting in the digital age. Khawula faced calls for accountability, with some demanding he reveal sources. South Africa’s entertainment scene, vibrant yet volatile, relies on figures like him for insider news, but trust erodes with each false alarm. Past hoaxes, like the 2023 Connie Ferguson death rumor, echo this pattern, preying on fans’ affection for icons like Taunyane.

As the sun sets on this chaotic day, Taunyane remains a pillar of Mzansi acting. His story – from exile to stardom – inspires, and today’s scare only amplifies his enduring legacy. In a world of whispers and wild claims, one truth stands: legends like Bra Kop don’t fade quietly.