By Jonk wa Mashamba
news@alexreporter.co.za
ISRAEL MATSEKE-ZULU aka GP-MAORANGE recently released a media statement, saying he has been inundated with messages from his concerned fans and friends over the reports of his illness and subsequent departure from the TV drama series Gomora.
“It is true that I have been diagnosed with gangrene, which severely affected my right leg, making (it) difficult for me to walk properly and function well on set during the filming.
“It also makes it difficult for me to perform as an artist, or throw in those Ghetto Professors dance moves that you know me for when invited to gigs.”
Israel says the growing demands of his job at Gomora made it difficult for him to give his all to the show due to the illness that effectively rendered him semi-crippled.
He says the illness started shortly after he joined Gomora, with some mild pain in his legs which he took as a passing phase.
“I love Gomora as a show which I have been close to from its inception, more so that it set up in my hood Alexandra township.
“At the same time I am the kind of actor who, when I do what I like I want to be able to go full force, give it my all.
I wasn’t able to do so in the last few months before I requested to be written off from the show.
“I appreciate the show producers and fellow actors for their understanding and for carrying me until the end.
“I apologise to the multitudes of my fans for my exit and hope you continue to support the show, especially the young crop of actors who are really doing their best to make it exciting.
“I am currently receiving the best medical treatment in Mpumalanga where I have been for the past week, and I am in high spirits having passed what I believe to be the worst stage of my situation.
“I thank everyone for the kind messages and prayers during this time. I thank my family and friends for the support and being by my side. My God and ancestors are working wonders on me.
“I can assure you, GP-MaOrange will be back very soon! Spirit!”
Pics: Supplied