South African, singer Nichume Siwundla has died after an apparent suicide, a statement sent on behalf of her record label, Top Chap Media, has confirmed.

House music vocalist Nichume Siwundla allegedly threw herself off an apartment building after she complained about having serious problems.

Police said that the 27-year-old songstress was at a friend’s home at Greenstone Ridge in Edenvale last week Thursday night when she committed suicide.

“It is alleged that she threw herself from the second floor’s balcony after she had been complaining that she had problems but didn’t reveal [the nature of her problems] to her friends,” said police spokesperson Neldah Sekgobela.

According to the police, who arrived at the scene after 9pm, the friends were unable to give statements because they were still in shock.

Sekgobela said: “The Edenvale police are investigating an inquest case at this moment.”

The singer, well known for featuring on Mobi Dixon’s track Buthiza, hailed from the Eastern Cape and was also a qualified ophthalmologist.

Following the success of Buthiza in 2017, Nichume was signed to Top Chap Media which was founded by Mobi Dixon. The pair recently released their single Thobela.

“I’m distraught. I will remember Nichume as a bright light at Top Chap Media where we signed her. She was not only my first artist, but we had grown so close in the past three years that she became my little sister. She truly is gone too soon. may her soul rest in peace,” Mobi said about the singer’s untimely death.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Nichume’s brother, Qamani Siwundla said “we, as a family are in absolute shock as to what has happened. Learning that your sister has succumbed to emotions and taken her own life can never rest well.”

“We obviously are left with a lot of questions but also know that she had one of the strongest characters in the family. Whatever she was feeling at that moment triggered immense hopelessness. We stand united as a family during this difficult time. Nichume was so loved and appreciated. We are proud of all her achievements,” he added.

Minister of Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa, took to Twitter to convey his sympathies.

“We’re deeply saddened by the tragic passing of a shining star, the celebrated musician Nichume Refeloe Siwundla – a talented daughter of the soil whose lovely voice reverberated in our hearts & gifted us lasting memories. We send our deepest sympathies to her loved ones,” he wrote.