THE world of karate was this week left reeling with shock at the alleged suicide of top karateka Hendrick "Pepsi" Shiluvane.

Shiluvane, 37, who has represented South Africa in karate competitions locally and abroad, was found dead in a public park in Alberton, Ekurhuleni, last weekend.

His uncle, Asser Shiluvane, alleged Pepsi killed himself after years of fighting with his wife, the mother of his two children.

"The postmortem showed he died from poisoning," the uncle said yesterday.

"We knew he had domestic problems, but did not think that it could come to this."

Shiluvane was a second dan black belt karateka, who represented South Africa at an international tournament in Japan in July.

Shiluvane's death was confirmed yesterday by International Karate Organisation's Matsushima group communications manager Shihan Peter "Poison" Thage, who is also a top television actor and businessman.

"The passing on of Pepsi has come as a big shock to all of us in the karate family," Thage said.

"The man was loved by many people in the community of Vosloorus and Tembisa," Thage said.

"Pepsi was one of the committed karateka and was helping us grow the sport by taking part in our development programmes.

"We will always remember him for his passion for karate development."

Shiluvane will be buried on Saturday.

- Additional reporting by Sello Rabothata