Maja Jeneska, AKA ‘Maya Mia’, was recently found dead in Johannesburg, as confirmed by law enforcement officials.
She was a well-known businesswoman, celebrity makeup artist, influencer and something of a diplomatic strategist. Her loss has been felt by locals all over the country and the world.
Of her passing, police had reportedly received a call about a suicide in Bassonia Estate, Johannesburg. Reports express that a woman (identified as Jeneska) was found dead in a bedroom after sustaining a gunshot wound to the head. The firearm was found lying next to her.
According to News24, police say that an inquest docket has since been opened. Jeneska’s partner, Kyle Phillips (the co-director of powerful tobacco company Carnilinx), was said to have been in the house at the time of her death and “rushed to the room where she was found,” according to sources acquired by the publication.
Who was Maja Janeska?
Janeska, a Macedonian national, had left her home country at a young age. She had great success in the African market where she would grow, network and develop in multiple industries. According to her professional profiles, she had been a force in the mining, IT, Oil and Gas, Renewable Energy and Tobacco spaces, not to mention her diplomatic endeavours.
One of her most recent goals was working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia and the Minister Doctor Bujar Osami to establish diplomatic relations between her home country and her ‘second home’—South Africa.
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Her partner also had political ties, most famously to Julius Malema. A report from the Sunday Times reminds that Phillips allegedly helped Malema pay a massive tax bill to SARS 7 years ago.
The aftermath
Many have shared touching condolences since the news of her death broke—from local A-listers to friends and fans of Jeneska. Elton Jantjies wife, Iva Ristic, also took to Instagram to honour her friend:
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Others on social media have also asked the speculating portion of the public to be considerate of the family, and to give them space during this difficult time.
Feature Image: @maya_mia_y
