The death of Vinolia Mashego, known affectionately as Jam Alley’s V-Mash, has reverberated across the local entertainment landscape.
Bonang Matheba, Minnie Dlamini pay tribute to V-Mash
Everyone has been affected by the news of the 56-year-old’s passing. Contacted by Sowetan Live, Mashego’s younger sister, Prelley Seale confirmed that the media personality was found dead at her home in Mamelodi, Pretoria.
The likes of Bonang Matheba and Minni Dlamini shared untold stories about how V-Mash, in some way or the other, influenced their lives and inspired them to pursue a career in media.
Vinolia Mashego: She is credited for acting in these productions
20 plus years into her career, Mashego had established herself as a household brand. She had even extended her artistry to the film industry.
According to TVSA, Mashego is credited as an actress on:
- Generations (as Hilda Letlalo);
- Di Wele Makgolela (as Pearl);
- Muvhango (as Meme’s mother);
- Mutual Friends (role not listed); and
- Giyani: Land of Blood (as Khwinana)
What’s the cause of death?
Even in her senior age, Mashego was known in her community as a person whose schedule was always busy. But her neighbour noticed an alarming change to her routine when she was not seen or heard from the entire day on Friday 3 April.
“We got a call from the neighbours this morning [yesterday] that they had not seen her at all today. They were worried as she is someone that always wakes them up in the morning. Initially, I thought she was filming a TV show as she was someone that will do those things,” Mashego’s father, Collins, said.
Worried about his daughter, Collins contacted authorities and they met them outside her Mamelodi residence.
“The police broke into the house and there she was in her bed sleeping forever. The paramedics were called and said she died of natural causes. No foul play is suspected,” he added.
Any updates on Vinolia Mashego’s funeral arrangements?
Her official cause of death, determined by a qualified forensic pathologist, has not been made public. However, it is highly unlikely that her death was the result of another person’s actions.
Funeral arrangements will have to comply with the strict regulations South Africa is operating under in this lockdown period. That and other important information has yet to be released by the 56-year-old’s family.