adminA MAJOR manhunt is underway to find the killers of South Africa football captain Senzo Meyiwa, police say. They are offering a reward of 250,000 rand (£14,100; $22,800) for information leading to the capture of the suspected burglars who shot him dead. Meyiwa was reportedly attacked after men entered his girlfriend’s house.
President Jacob Zuma led tributes to the goalkeeper, saying “words cannot express the nation’s shock at this loss”.
Police said two men had entered the house in Vosloorus, south of Johannesburg, at around 20:00 (18:00 GMT), demanding mobile phones and valuables. A third man remained outside.
One of the two was described by police as tall, dark-skinned and slender with dreadlocks, and the other was said to be short, dark-skinned and well-built.
National Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega told a press conference that Meyiwa was shot once in the upper body as he moved towards the door. The three men then fled on foot, she said.
The footballer was declared dead on arrival at hospital.
Ms Phiyega insisted the large reward was not linked to Meyiwa’s fame but added it was “important to resolve matters such as this that have global appeal”.
Relatives and fans gathered outside the hospital and Ms Khumalo’s house to grieve over Meyiwa’s death.
South African President Jacob Zuma said in a statement yesterday: “We mourn the death of this young footballer and team leader whose life has been taken away at the prime of his career. Words cannot express the nation’s shock at this loss.” — BBC Sport
Online Reporter