Julius Malema Dead? South African Politician Becomes Victim of Internet Death Hoax

Julius Malema is dead. At least that's what the internet is saying. However the South African politician didn't die. He's just the victim of an Internet death hoax.

A report appeared this week from Global Associated News saying:

"Julius Malema died in a single vehicle crash on Route 80 between Morristown and Roswell. He was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics responding to the vehicle accident and was identified by photo ID found on his body. Alcohol and drugs do not appear to have been a factor in this accident - December 29, 2012."

The report goes on to say that he was driving a friend's car when he hit a center divider. It also says his funeral will include a closed casket because of severe head trauma.

Being that there are so many details, it's easy to believe that the story is true, however Malema isn't dead.

Global Associated News creates fake celebrity death reports. A note in fine print on the bottom of the site says "FAKE... THIS STORY IS 100% FAKE! this is an entertainment website, and this is a totally fake article based on zero truth and is a complete work of fiction for entertainment purposes! this story was dynamically generated using a generic 'template' and is not factual. Any reference to specific individuals has been 100% fabricated by web site visitors who have created fake stories by entering a name into a blank 'non-specific' template for the purpose of entertainment."

If that wasn't enough proof, the Twitter account for Malema tried to shoot down the rumor, saying "The passing away in a car accident is a rumour. We're not going anywhere anytime soon. still alive & in full health to #2013."

Yet some are still taking to Twitter to question and mourn the death of the South African politician. Some examples of tweets include:

"Is JULIUS Malema dead???? No no no no way??"

"Julius Malema,gone too soon #RIP"

"Julius Malema is dead??"

"Sad news Julius malema Passed away, may his soul rest in peace#julius Malema"

Malema isn't the only person to be killed off by the internet in recent months.

African actor Pete Edochie was also killed off by a death hoax this week.

Some other celebrities who became victims of a death hoax in recent months include actor Vin Diesel, musician Skrillex, Rapper Lil Wayne, Actor Vince Vaughn, Tom Kenny, the voice behind SpongeBob Squarepants, country singer Taylor Swift, legendary actor Morgan Freeman, Comedian Bill Cosby, Alfonso Ribeiro aka Carlton from the Fresh Prince, and Bill Nye the Science Guy. All of these celebrities are just fine.