Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube
THE family of popular Bulawayo social media figure Talent Masuku (30), widely known for his presence around the city centre, is demanding answers following his death after he reportedly fell ill while in prison.
Masuku, who was previously said to be a Moyo, passed away at Mpilo Central hospital on 28 May around 4AM.
He had been admitted on 22 May.
Talent’s aunties, Vivian and Nora Masuku, spoke emotionally during an interview, describing the family’s pain and confusion surrounding his sudden death. Vivian broke down in tears while recounting the events that led to his passing.
“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.
She said relatives were never informed that he had been admitted or that his health had deteriorated.
The family only became aware of the situation, Vivian said, after a neighbour saw Talent at the hospital on 23 May and alerted them.
“We only found out through another person. Nobody from the prison contacted us to tell us that he was in hospital,” said Nora.
Relatives say they immediately rushed to the hospital after receiving the information.
“When we got there, we were told that he had not eaten for days and urgently needed feeding tubes (IV Drip) and medication,” said Nora.
The family said prison officials informed them that Talent needed medical supplies to help him start eating again.
Despite facing financial difficulties, relatives gathered money on 27 May to buy the required IV drips and medication.
According to the family, Talent had not eaten at all since being admitted to hospital.
They said they were later informed that Talent had a blood clot in the brain and they suspect he may have been assaulted in prison.
The family told B-Metro that prison officials asked them to come collect him from hospital on 28 May and they were not aware he had died.
“Imagine our shock when we got to hospital and we were told he was dead. We had last seen him in court last year.
Only his uncle visited him in prison and he was the only one allowed to see him in hospital,” said Nora
The family dismissed claims that Talent was mentally unstable, explaining that his struggles began years ago after he developed complications linked to medication.
“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 while fighting back tears.
They took him to Ingutsheni Central Hospital for medical examination, but doctors told them his condition was normal.
Despite the challenges he later faced in life, relatives said, Talent remained loved by his family and was known by many people in Bulawayo because of his regular presence in the city centre.
Mourners are gathered at 4476 Emganwini, Masotsheni.
The grieving family is appealing for assistance with funeral arrangements, including a coffin, transport to Matopo Mission where Talent will be buried, and food for mourners during the funeral period.
Efforts to get a comment from Principal Correctional Officer Garainashe Moyo were unsuccessful, as he was not reachable through calls or WhatsApp messages.
Talent Masuku became a well-known figure in Bulawayo over the years due to his presence around the city centre and his popularity on social media platforms, where many residents frequently shared videos and pictures of him.
In 2025, Talent made headlines after he was convicted of stealing US$150 from a woman near the corner of 6th Avenue and Jason Moyo Street in Bulawayo.
Prosecutors told the court that Talent approached the woman, searched her and took US$150 before fleeing from the scene.
The complainant reported the matter to Bulawayo Central Police Station.
During the trial, Talent denied stealing the money and admitted only to hugging the complainant.
However, the court found him guilty based on witness testimony and surrounding evidence presented during the trial.
He was sentenced to four months in prison with an option to pay a US$200 fine. A further three months imprisonment was suspended on condition that he would not commit a similar offence within five years.
The theft case was not his only legal challenge.
Talent was also linked to another case involving the alleged theft of US$48 from a parked vehicle.
The court ordered that Talent be examined by two State doctors.
