Bulawayo social media star Talent Masuku dies in prison

The family of popular Bulawayo social media figure, Talent Masuku (30) is demanding answers following his death while in prison.

Masuku passed away at Mpilo Central hospital yesterday.

He had been admitted two days earlier. Talent’s aunties, Vivian Masuku and Nora Masuku, described the family’s pain and confusion surrounding his sudden death.

“We are deeply hurt because when his uncle last visited him in prison, he was fine and talking well. We never expected to hear that he had died,” said Vivian.

Nora added: “We only found out through another person. Nobody from the prison contacted us to tell us that he was in hospital.

“When we got there, we were told that he had not eaten for days and urgently needed feeding tubes (IV Drip) and medication.”

They said they were later informed that Talent had a blood clot in the brain.

The family dismissed claims that Talent was mentally unstable.

“He was born HIV-positive but started taking medication when he was in Form 2. He reacted badly and we had to take him for a mental examination. One day he came back from school with a serious skin reaction after taking the medication and that is when all his problems started,” said Vivian.

They took him to Ingutsheni Central Hospital for medical examination, but doctors told them his condition was normal.

Talent gained popularity on social media platforms.

Last year, he made headlines after he was convicted of stealing US$150 from a woman in Bulawayo’s CBD. *_-B-Metro_*