Popular House of Zwide actress Shalate Sekhabi will be bidding an emotional farewell to her long-time role as Shoki Zwide this July. The beloved character, who has captured the hearts of fans since season one of the hit e.tv fashion drama, will die following a tragic car accident, leaving viewers devastated.

According to the House of Zwide July teasers released by TVSA, Shoki’s death will shake the Zwide and Molapo families to the core. The teasers reveal that Msizi (played by Mduduzi Mabaso) will hire someone to tamper with Nkosi Zwide’s (Wanda Zuma) car. As Nkosi prepares to expose Msizi’s dark secrets, tragedy strikes—both Nkosi and Shoki are involved in a serious car crash. While Nkosi survives, Shoki does not.

The fatal accident sets the tone for a wave of emotional storylines. On Monday, 21 July, the teaser reads:
“Following Shoki’s tragic death, her loved ones are left in deep grief. The Molapo family comforts a devastated Ona, while at the Zwide mansion, Msizi quietly struggles with guilt.”

On Tuesday, 22 July, tensions rise when Shoki’s sister, Nomsa (Lwazilubanzi Mthembu), blames Nkosi for her sister’s death. Nkosi, unaware of Msizi’s involvement, takes full responsibility as Msizi begins to crumble under guilt and throws himself into organizing Shoki’s funeral.

Shalate Sekhabi’s exit marks the end of an era. She played the vibrant, strong, and fashion-forward Shoki for four seasons. Interestingly, Sekhabi and her on-screen husband, Wanda Zuma (Nkosi), are also dating in real life, adding another layer of heartbreak for devoted fans.

In the current storyline, Shoki and her best friend Ona (Nefisa Mkhabela) had just uncovered dark family secrets, discovering that Faith (Winnie Ntshaba) and Msizi are murderers. Her sudden death brings a cruel end to a powerful arc of justice and loyalty.

Fans took to social media in disbelief and sadness.

“Yoh, at least you should’ve made her pregnant and left us a junior Shoki,” lamented Thandekile Langa.

Gabi Thwala commented: “Leaving is one thing, but killing the character? Nah!”

Others, like Verna Zisengwe, expressed frustration with the show’s repeated use of death to write off characters: “Is there no other exit besides death? First it was Granny Zwide, then Senzo, then Rea, and now Shoki? It’s emotionally draining.”

Many fans echoed that sentiment, describing Shoki’s exit as unfair and painful, especially considering the strong relationship she shared with Nkosi and the promise of a happy family life.

As House of Zwide heads into season five, the loss of Shoki Zwide leaves a gaping hole in the hearts of its audience. Her legacy, however, will remain as one of the show’s most memorable and loved characters.

Sekhabi’s departure comes at a time when e.tv is shaking up its programming lineup, including the recent cancellation of Smoke & Mirrors after three seasons.

For now, fans prepare to say goodbye to Shoki Zwide—and brace for the emotional aftermath.