Hugh Masebenza, according to several tweeps, is now destitute and living on the streets of Johannesburg and Pretoria.
Pictures of the actor living in squalor on the streets went viral over the weekend. However, there have been contradicting accounts, with some claiming that his appearance is solely for the purpose of “acting.”
Hugh Masebenza is known for his many TV roles in soapies and dramas like Generations, Scandal, Room 9, Society and Zero Tolerance.
But it was his appearance in a Savanna cider TV advert, where he infamously quipped: “Do you know your monkey stole my Savanna?”, that people fondly remember.
According to Facebook user Rifuwo Masebenza, who reportedly claimed to be related to Hugh Masebenza, the star’s recent appearance is down to him taking on a new character
He said in a since-deleted post, reacting to the viral pics: “This is all lies. The guy is healthy and fine. He had a movie shoot, which required him to be like the second picture [homeless].
“It would be fair for the whole family if you guys stopped chasing likes on social media and think about how it feels for his family, because news like this worries everyone”.
:: Hugh Masebenza is still doing fine, stop with the lies. pic.twitter.com/ba2sJhlJdx
— 𝙳𝚛. 𝙱𝚎𝚗𝚓𝚒, 𝙼.𝙳.
(@DrBenjii) February 5, 2022
But others claim that Hugh Masebenza is indeed homeless and has been spotted on numerous occasions in the Pretoria CBD.
“We see this person everyday in Pretoria. He stays in the abandoned flats in Pretoria West. His usual hustle spot is in front of the FNB building by Church & Paul Kruger st in the Pretoria CBD”
“Saw him a number of times in Pretoria central”
“He’s in Pretoria CBD. Mostly hangs around Church Square”
If Hugh Masebenza is indeed homeless, it would not be the first time the actor has been down and out. In 2015, Daily Sun reported that the actor was living on the streets, “looking out of place and disorientated”.
In 2019, another tweep posted pictures of Hugh Sebenza walking on the streets, with the caption: “How giants have fallen”.
Hugh Masebenza and Savannah.
How giants have fallen and the brands they represented does not even recognize them #TakeCareOfOurArtists4Life pic.twitter.com/qjTs8w4A7L— optimistic
(@Start_where_u_r) June 20, 2019
Meanwhile, many tweeps are calling on authorities and even fellow celebrities to assist Hugh Sebenza.
Some have even tagged Savanna themselves in a desperate cry for help.
Please help Hugh Masebenza… We beg you
he is still the face of savanna
— Nceby
Hugh Masebenza last posted on his Instagram account in December 2018 and on his Twitter account in 2017.