Shaka iLembe viewers were left heartbroken when things took a tragic turn in Gudunkomo, leading to the death of the Abathethwa King, Godongwana ‘Dingiswayo’.
This led to multi-award-winning actor, Thembinkosi Mthembu receiving his flowers from internet users for the immaculate portrayal of Dingiswayo. He was admired for his gaze, his tone and his body movements while in character.
Produced by Bomb Productions, Shaka iLembe retells the story of King Shaka (played by Lemogang Tsipa) of the Zulu Kingdom, and his quest to fight for his throne. The series has also highlights the mentorship and father-and-son bond between King Godongwana and King Shaka.
In the historical series, King Godongwana was brutally killed by the Ndwandwe clan; led by King Zwide (played by Wiseman Mncube) after he was lured into their kingdom by Ntombazi (played by Khabonina Qhubeka) using witchcraft.
When he arrived, he was kept hostage and subsequently killed. He was then beheaded, and his head was given to Ntombazi for her dark magic.
The viewers were taken by surprise by this, and shared how heartbroken they were about how the Mthethwa monarch was killed.
X (formerly Twitter) users weighed in:
My delusion was really hoping for a miracle at this exact moment! 😭😭😭 Yho!! I knew Queen Ntombazi was a powerful witch kodwa haibo!! And the way @Khabonina_Q embodies this role, I really can’t over how good she is at this! #ShakaiLembeS2 pic.twitter.com/fTtIwIy503
— NaMgidi♈ (@Emily_Sphiwe) July 27, 2025
Nyambose #ShakaiLembeS2 pic.twitter.com/V94pxPEX5v
— Justice for Senzo and Kirnen ✊️ (@Vee_Mashinini) July 27, 2025
What a painful death, RIP Nyambose but it’s a lesson to man stop entertain every dress that pass by you
Nyambose #ShakaiLembeS2 pic.twitter.com/v4S4TDCOO2— The Lord Of The Wings( Lisa) Arsenal Biggest Fan🏐 (@WhyUfikelate) July 27, 2025
ThembiNkosi Mthembu’s talent is truly God-given ,destined for powerful roles like Dingiswayo.
What he brought to Shaka iLembe is nothing short of iconic and will forever be part of South African television history. A brilliant performance across both seasons,… pic.twitter.com/ZZazE3EgZk
— Jabulani Macdonald ⚡️ (@Jabu_Macdonald) July 27, 2025
I can’t wait to see them perish and I want it to be a slow and painful one for what they did to UNyambose. I will never heal 💔💔💔 😭😭#ShakaiLembeS2 pic.twitter.com/3ggwmWQHRD
— BadboyF|ames🔥 (@Sakhilenavy21) July 27, 2025
Also see: Shaka iLembe fans remain captivated as betrayal brews
