Senzo Meyiwa, South African football team goalkeeper and captain, was shot dead on Sunday evening at his girlfriend’s place by a group of gunmen.
As per South African Police reports, Meyiwa was murdered in the Vosloorus township near Johannesburg after two armed men entered the house of his girlfriend while a co-conspirator waited outside. Police said Meyiwa was shot after a mayhem, and the assailants fled.
South African police force’s tweet read: “There was an altercation and Senzo Meyiwa was shot. The three suspects fled on foot after the shooting. We can assure South Africans that we will do all we can to bring Meyiwa’s killers to book.”
A reward of 150,000 rand (£8,500) has been offered for information leading to an arrest.
Cindy Poluta, sports editor at Eyewitness News in Johannesburg, told: “Two men came inside and started demanding goods and cell phones. It was when Senzo was trying to defend Kelly, who apparently the gun was being pointed at, when he was shot in the back.
“Neighbours said they heard three shots but only one of those killed Senzo.
“He was declared dead on arrival at a hospital in Johannesburg and later on in the evening, South Africa’s national coach was seen comforting fellow teammates.”
Ephraim Mashaba, manager of South Africa’s national side, expressed his condolences saying: “As we were sitting, deliberating, preparing for the oncoming match against Sudan, guess what? Senzo’s name was on the top of the list, but on the playing level (and as) the captain.
“He kept a clean sheet … he kicks, he saves goals and all that, but there’s one thing that I want to make you aware of (about) Senzo today.
“Senzo was a very kind person. I’ve never seen Senzo being sad or angry in the camp.”
He further added: “Safe to say, without any doubt, since we started with Senzo, this national team never had problems.”
The Bafana Bafana captain Senzo Meyiwa represented Orlando Pirates club in the country’s league. Orlando Pirates’ chairman, Irvin Khoza said: “This is a sad loss whichever way you look at it – to Senzo’s family, his extended family, Orlando Pirates and to the nation.”
Dean Furman, one of Meyiwa’s teammates, tweeted: “Beyond devastated at the loss of our captain & friend Senzo Meyiwa. Thoughts & prayers are with his family & friends at this terrible time.”
