Remembering Catherine “Kate” Mutandwa (Kate ZW)
Zimbabwe’s vibrant social media and acting community is in mourning following the sudden passing of beloved comedienne and actress Catherine “Kate” Mutandwa on October 22, 2025.
Known for her unforgettable online skits and powerful dramatic roles, her loss leaves a profound void in the local entertainment scene.
A Shocking Loss
The devastating news of Mutandwa's death was first reported by the publication ZimEye and announced on their Facebook page on October 22, 2025. The announcement spread rapidly across social media platforms as friends, colleagues, and fans began sharing the news, many in disbelief.
"My Heart Is Bleeding": Tributes Pour In
Prominent figures in the influencer and acting community were left reeling by the sudden loss. Their heartfelt tributes painted a picture of a cherished friend and colleague.
"Waking up in shock hearing the passing on of my friend and Colleague Kate ZW... My heart is bleeding."
- Lorraine Guyo, Lorraine Guyo Productions
"Zvirikunetsa kutambirika Kate ZW ndamuka ndichinzwa kuti my friend passed away" (It's hard to accept, I woke up to hear my friend passed away).
- Mama Vee, Content Creator
"Guys Kate akuchisisina" (Guys Kate is no more).
- Chipo the trouble causer
A Firebrand Actress & Creator
Based in Harare, Catherine "Kate" Mutandwa was a popular Zimbabwean comedienne, film actress, commercial fashion model, and social media figure. She was celebrated for her online comedy skits, which garnered her a large following, but her talent truly shone in her powerful dramatic performances. With over 58,000 followers, her professional page described her as a "very efficient method actress" involved in a cross-section of production environments.
Kate started her acting journey at a very tender age. A stint at Chipawo in 2015 prepared her for bigger roles, and she began building her audience with comedy skits on Facebook. Her dramatic abilities were showcased in the short film "Bhachi" alongside the popular Eddie Sandifolo.
Her most acclaimed role was as Precious Musa in the ZBC-TV series "Marbles". In this challenging role, she portrayed a doctor in an abusive marriage, grappling with infertility and Stockholm Syndrome. The performance was lauded for its depth, with critics noting she was a "brilliant and talented actress" who had to "dig deep" to execute the difficult role. She was passionate about portraying characters who fight against female dominance by "witless men," earning fher the title of a "firebrand actress."
Her other known works include "Love and dance," "For better for worse," "Muzita rababa," "Shamiso and Conflict," as well as features in Ecocash adverts and a Terry Africa video.
Frequently Asked Questions
Catherine "Kate" Mutandwa was widely known for her popular online comedy skits. However, she was also critically acclaimed for her serious dramatic roles, particularly her powerful performance as Precious Musa in the television series "Marbles," where she tackled themes of domestic violence.
As of October 22, 2025, the cause of her death has not been widely reported or confirmed by any official source. Her passing was announced by the publication ZimEye.
While she gained fame through comedy, Kate was a versatile method actress. She took on challenging dramatic roles that explored complex social issues, such as domestic abuse and female empowerment, notably in the series "Marbles." She was passionate about portraying strong female characters.
Following the news of her passing, many people, including prominent figures like Lorraine Guyo and Mama Vee, have expressed their shock and deep condolences on social media. The Zimbabwean online community is mourning the loss of a vibrant and talented creator.
David (Solar Sales)