Muvhango viewers angry at iconic character's departure

Muvhango viewers are angry and they want Ndivhuho Mutsila, who played Albert Mukwevho back.

Angry viewer, Vhonani Makhari, posted on Facebook: "We want Albert back on our screens or else this Muvhango thing will watch itself," he said.

Mutsila, who played Albert since the soap started 17 years ago, left the show on Tuesday night after his character was shot dead.

The unexpected departure of Ndivhuho not only upset loyal fans but also crew members. Many fans expressed their sadness on Facebook and Twitter.

Siyabonga Nyezi @siyanyezi tweeted: "Oh, Albert Mukwevho. Haven't been this hacked about a TV death since Khapela Ngcobo in Generations."

Lufuno Lilian said on Facebook: "I want Bertie back. I don't care how, but if KK could come back, so should he. "Find something to bring Bertie back. He is Muvhango."

Another viewer said they have so many characters to kill. "There's Mushasha, Mulimisi, Pfuluwani and Borosi but they had to kill Albert, the only entertaining one. "F*K Muvhango."

Kgalema Mametse, head of public relations for the soapie, said Ndivhuho requested to be released from the show.

"He has other commitments and felt it was time he concentrated more on those.

"But he continues to play an important role in the production in his capacity as cultural advisor for the script department."

Duma Ndlovu, the soap's creator, told his fans on Facebook that the reaction to Tuesday's episode was amazing.

"This episode, the death of the great pig, has been one of the most popular episodes this year."