- Well-known Zimbabwean-born author Phumlani Pikoli, 33, has been found dead in his flat in Johannesburg.
- His lifeless body was discovered by his parents.
- Pikoli's family plans to have a memorial service on Wednesday and the funeral will be on Friday, 16 April.
Messages of condolences have been pouring in following the reports of the death of Zimbabwean-born author Phumlani Pikoli.
According to family spokesperson Twiggs Xiphu, the 33-year-old's body was discovered by both his parents Advocate Vusumuzi and Girlie Pikoli in his flat in Johannesburg on Sunday. The cause of death is unknown.
Pikoli's publisher Andrea Nattrass told News24 that she will miss Pikoli deeply.
"I've known him since 2017, and published his first book in 2018," she said.
Nattrass described Pikoli's death as far, "too soon and heart breaking".
South African publisher Pan Macmillan said they were deeply saddened by Pikoli's passing.
Novel
"We were privileged to publish two wonderful original works by Phumlani, the short story collection, The Fatuous State of Severity (2018), and the award-winning novel Born Freeloaders (2019).
"We celebrate Phumlani's considerable talent and we extend our deepest condolences to the Pikoli family and all those who knew and loved him."
Pikoli's fans took to social media to express their shock, while others sent messages of condolence to the Pikoli's family.
"So shocked to hear about the passing of #PhumlaniPikoli. Such a good writer. May his soul rest in peace. Read and reviewed one of his books," one fan said.
So shocked to hear about the passing of #PhumlaniPikoli. Such a good writer. May his soul rest in peace. Read and reviewed one of his books. @PanMacmillanSA pic.twitter.com/8mcVfQPGem
— @KEKANAEZEKIEL (@KEKANAEZEKIEL) April 12, 2021
"I can’t believe this. I am heartbroken. Rest In Power friend! Yho! This is too much I am going to miss you Phumlani Pikoli", another one said.
I can’t believe this. I am heartbroken. Rest In Power friend! Yho! This is too much ??????I am going to miss you Phumlani Pikoli (@scoutgumbee)?? pic.twitter.com/Urozqt595U
— Tshepo Mosokotso (@sponono_fierce) April 12, 2021
Other social media users described Pikoli as a, "a unique and precious man".
We loved you. We loved you so much and you were such a unique and precious man. A little weirdo whose voice was so distinct and necessary. I’m so sorry you were suffering and we couldn’t help pull you out of the darkness this time. ????????????????????????????????????
— NINA LOVES YOU (@THATninahastie) April 12, 2021
Mandy Wiener described Pikoli as a friend whose 'creativity and energy was contagious'.
Heartbroken at the passing of Phumlani Pikoli. He was a friend, his creativity and energy contagious. He lived his passion. Read his book #TheFatuousStateofSeverity in his memory. Deepest thoughts with @VusiPikoli, Girlie, Zukiswa and Lisolomzi. May his memory be for a blessing. pic.twitter.com/oGsY81i0tZ
— Mandy Wiener (@MandyWiener) April 12, 2021
"I’m heartbroken by the death of @scoutgumbee. Praying for Uncle Vusi, Aunt Girlie, Zuki and Fuzzy at this time. May God’s grace comfort them and give them peace. Rest easy, kid", said another Twitter user.
I’m heartbroken by the death of @scoutgumbee. Praying for Uncle Vusi, Aunt Girlie, Zuki and Fuzzy at this time. May God’s grace comfort them and give them peace. Rest easy, kid. pic.twitter.com/Jd6h7gnltP
— Dr. Sithembile Mbete (@sthembete) April 12, 2021
Pikoli's cause of death is currently still under investigation.
His memorial service will be held on Wednesday 14 April, and his funeral on Friday, 16 April.