By Lehlohonolo Lehana.

@Instagram.

The acclaimed culinary connoisseur, lifestyle influencer and entrepreneur Tebello "Tibz" Motsoane has passed away aged 40.

Before his transition to being a chef, the Katlehong born was in the music business and ran a company called Showlove, one of South Africa's longest-running hip hop events companies.

ShowLove styled itself as "The Creators of Cool", and has been setting trends and building brands since 2006.

Tibz was shot dead on Friday evening with his lifelong friend, rapper AKA, real name Kiernan Forbes, outside Wish restaurant on Florida Road in Durban.

The Motsoane family issued a statement on Saturday confirming his death, saying they are awaiting details from Durban police and expressed gratitude for the support they've received.

"To us, Tebello was a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend. To many he was Tibz Wa Bantwana, Chief of Cool, Summer Time Cool Creator, K1 K9, and the many other names of affection. Our son was loved and he gave love in return. As we come to terms with the devastating truth that our only son is no longer with us we appeal for your compassion, space and time to congregate as a family to decide on the upcoming days.

"We thank you for the love and support we have received and ask you to continue to lift us up in prayer before the Lord."

The Motsoane family has asked for "compassion, space and time" as they navigate the upcoming days. 

Chefs, industry professionals, and fans inspired by the life of Motsoane are mourning a great loss as tributes have come in from across the country.

Co-founder of AuthentiQ Bar & Restaurant Ndumiso Mncwabe took to his Instagram account to express his sadness over the loss of Motsoane. Mncwabe was one of the people who were with him before his death.

"I would have never thought this was our last fcuken drink bro. Rest easy bro, rest easy" he wrote.

Fulu_Manyuha wrote: This is just too terrible to wake up to! So talented. So young. So authentic both gentlemen. Taken away so brutally.

"This is such devastating news. Rest easy AKA Kiernan Jaryd Forbes and Tebello Tibz Motsoane. Condolences to their families."