SOUL Brothers lead singer David Masondo hang himself

SOUL Brothers lead singer David Masondo hanged himself on Monday night, two weeks after he was charged with assaulting and pointing a firearm at his wife.

He was 56.

A police spokesman Inspector Kay Makhubele said a man had been found hanging with a rope from a balcony at the singer's house.

Our sources have confirmed the dead man was indeed the singer.

Inspector Makhubele said: "It is alleged that he may have committed suicide last night (Monday).

"At this stage we have no motive for the suicide and an inquest will be opened."

Japhet Mathanda Ncube, the news editor of South Africa's City Press newspaper said Tuesday morning: "My police sources are saying he hanged himself at his house in Soweto and the body was discovered by his wife on Tuesday morning."

Masondo was granted R500 bail by a Protea magistrate last week after his wife of 17 years, Conny, called in the cops when he violated a protection order which barred him from visiting the family home.

After his release on bail, a meeting between the couple's families resolved that he should be allowed to move back in.

Masondo has been beset by legal woes in recent years. He was accused of having a sexual relationship with his step daughter two years ago.

In November last year, Masondo missed a tour of the United Kingdom by the mbaqanga group after being admitted to hospital, gravely ill.

The Soul Brothers have recorded more than 30 albums since their formation in 1974. Initially formed in KwaZulu-Natal, the group became one of the most successful proponents of the mbaqanga sound that dominated South African urban music for several decades.

Masondo started as the group's drummer but later moved to lead vocals.