South Africa’s football captain and Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa has been shot dead in Johannesburg, according to a police statement. Just last night, the 27-year-old footballer played in a match between his club, Orlando Pirates and Ajax Cape Town. His club defeated Ajax Cape Town with 4-1 and advanced to the semi-finals of the South African League Cup.
According to the South African Police Service, the footballer was in his girlfriend’s house (Kelly Khumalo, a South African pop star) when the men entered the house around 20:00 local time.
The three were reported to have fled the scene after shooting the goalkeeper and captain. Meyiwa was confirmed dead on arrival at the hospital – and according to reports by South African media, it was an attempted burglary.
According to one of the reports, the gang arrived and asked Meyiwa to give them his mobile phone. Speaking about the footballers death, the club chairman said, “This is a sad loss to Senzo’s family especially his children, to Orlando Pirates and the nation.”
He has captained South Africa in the last four matches in the African Nations Cup qualifiers.
Image Source: Senzo Meyiwa @SenzoMey1 Twitter page.