South Africans are mourning the tragic loss of award-winning actor Presley Chweneyagae, who passed away on Tuesday, 27 May 2025, at the age of 40. Known for his unforgettable role as Thuso “Cobra” Mokoena on the hit telenovela The River and its spin-off Cobrizi, Chweneyagae’s sudden death shocked the nation—especially as it eerily mirrored a recent scene in the show.
In a Cobrizi episode that aired just two days before his death, Chweneyagae’s character was seen solemnly standing at his parents’ graves, telling them he would be joining them soon. The moment, now circulating widely online, has left fans speechless, with many calling it a haunting case of art imitating life.
A Legendary Career Cut Short
Presley Chweneyagae’s career was marked by memorable performances and powerful portrayals. He rose to fame in 2005 with his breakout role in Tsotsi, which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Over the years, he became a household name in South African entertainment, particularly through his work on The River and Cobrizi.
In a bittersweet twist, Chweneyagae had reportedly shared plans to retire from acting at the age of 40, making his passing all the more poignant.
A Connection Beyond the Screen
Entertainment commentator Jabulani MacDonald took to social media to reflect on Chweneyagae’s legacy and the coincidence surrounding the deaths of Chweneyagae and veteran actor Don Mlangeni Nawa, who played his father on The River. Nawa passed away on 16 April 2025, just weeks before Chweneyagae.
MacDonald posted a heartfelt tribute:
“Don Mlangeni Nawa and Presley Chweneyagae passed away within a short space of time. 
They also portrayed father and son on The River. This is a huge loss for the film and television industry.”
Fans React to Tragic Foreshadowing
The public’s emotional response has been overwhelming. Social media has been flooded with clips from the now-infamous Cobrizi episode, where Cobra says his goodbyes and kisses his parents’ tombstone. Viewers were stunned by the timing.
One user, @bautecarlosbau1, noted:
“On Sunday’s episode of Cobrizi, he said he wanted to join his parents in heaven 
.”
Another fan, @alista_mapa, added:
“Shame, and in that episode, he sought to be reunited with Thato. Art imitates life—stranger than fiction.”
Controversies and Legacy
While Presley Chweneyagae was admired for his talent, he was not without controversy. In April 2023, he appeared on the reality show Papgeld for allegedly failing to pay R58,000 in child maintenance. Additionally, he was reportedly under investigation for alleged involvement in laundering R15 million through his foundation, a case that drew criticism for the slow pace of justice.
Despite the scandals, fans and fellow actors remember Chweneyagae for his contributions to South African storytelling and his ability to embody complex characters with depth and authenticity.
Final Farewell
Presley Chweneyagae’s untimely death has left an indelible mark on the South African entertainment industry. As fans continue to share tributes and memories, one thing is certain—his legacy will live on through the characters he brought to life and the stories he helped tell.
