Konula: Senzo Miyewa, Orlando Pirates, South Africa, CAF African Cup of Nations
South African police release more information regarding the tragic murder of the Bafana Bafana captain

South Africa goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa was shot dead at 8 PM by armed gang who broke into the house of his girlfriend, Kelly Khumalo, in Vosloorus, where he was staying in a robbery attempt, police revealed, whilst insisting they will bring those responsible to justice.

"There was an altercation and Senzo Meyiwa was shot. The three suspects fled on foot after the shooting," South African police announced via Twitter.

"We can assure South Africans that we will do all we can to bring Meyiwa's killers to book."

According to the police, two men broke into the house, with the third culprit remaining outside, and after an altercation between Meyiwa and the armed party, the Orlando Pirates custodian was shot.

Meyiwu, who captained Bafana Bafana in their last four African Cup of Nations qualifiers match, had reportedly stood up to the gang in an attempt to protect his girlfriend before being fatally wounded, a day after featuring for his Premier Soccer League club's 4-1 win over Ajax Cape Town.

Aged 27, Meyiwa was rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead on the spot as tragic news of his passing away became known to the South African population, and the rest of the world as well.

"We can confirm that Bucs keeper Senzo Meyiwa has been shot and sadly declared dead on arrival at hospital.

“Update: there were 7 people inside the house. Two suspects went into the house, one remained outside. The 3 fled on foot after the shooting.”

South Africa and Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa tragically shot dead in his home town on Sunday

 

Post by LiveSoccerTV.com.

Sports editor Cindy Poluta of Eyewitness News in Johannesburg later revealed more information to Sky News:

"Police say that according to neighbours Senzo was at the house of his girlfriend, Kelly Khumalo.

"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."

Tributes pour in after news of Meyiwa's death broke

Orlado Pirates said in a statement that it "has learned with sadness about the untimely death of our number one goalkeeper and current captain Senzo Meyiwa”, whilst the club chairman Irvin Khoza expressed deep sorrow, saying: 

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

A reward of 153,000 rands (£8,700) is being promised to anyone who can offer information that leads to the arrest of the three culprits.