Police in the Republic of South Africa have confirmed that national team football goalkeeper; Senzo Robert Meyiwa has been shot dead in a private residential home on Sunday night.

The incident was said to have happened at Meyiwa’s girlfriend’s house in Vosloorus, south of Johannesburg.

Meyiwa who plays for Orlando Pirates in the South African League had been the current captain of the Bafana Bafana and has led the team in its recent campaign for a place in the 2015 African Nations Cup in Morocco. He was in action for his club on Saturday when they progressed to the semi-finals of the South African League Cup after beating Ajax Cape Town 4-1 at home.

The South African Police Service said in a press statement that the case is suspected to be a robbery case carried out by three unidentified men. Two men were believed to have entered the house while the third man remained outside as a spy to the two in the house. No arrest has been made as all three fled after shooting the goalkeeper. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital by doctors.

But police have offered a reward of about $14,000 for information leading to the suspects’ arrest. The police added that serious investigation is being carried out to bring the suspected criminals to book.

Orlando Pirates Football Club Chairman, Irvin Khoza said the club is deeply saddened by the incident and will stand by the bereaved family and the nation.

“This is a sad loss whichever way you look at it – to Senzo’s family, his extended family, Orlando Pirates and to the nation.”

“Orlando Pirates officials are up and about dealing with matters that arise when such untimely and unsettling news is received”, he said.

South Africa has a high rate of violent crime and this incident was the second death to hit the Country’s sporting family in three days. On Friday, former 800m world champion runner, Mbulaeni Mulaudzi was killed in a terrific car crash.

Senzo Robert Meyiwa was born on 24 September 1987 in Durban and started his football career with youth side, London Cosmos from 2002 to 2005, before moving to start his professional career with Orlando Pirates. He had played 73 games for Orlando pirates.

He made his debut for the South African national team on 2 June 2013 in a 2–0 away victory against Lesotho. For the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualification, he played three times, with his last match being a 0–0 draw against Congo.

Issaka Adams / NationalTurk Africa Sports News

Writer’s Email Address: Adamsisska@googlemail

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