Bafana captain Senzo Meyiwa shot dead

JOHANNESBURG/CAPE TOWN - Police have confirmed that Bafana Bafana captain Senzo Meyiwa was shot dead in the Zamo section of Vosloorus on Sunday at 8pm.

Police say there were seven people inside singer Kelly Khumalo's home where the shooting occurred. Two suspects entered while one waited outside.

The Bafana and Orlando Pirates captain was shot in the back while trying to protect Khumalo during an altercation with two of the suspects.

Police say neighbours had heard three shots and all three men had fled the scene on foot.

Meyiwa was declared dead on arrival at a hospital on the East Rand.

At the hospital, some Orlando Pirates players who had gathered were in tears.

Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba was there to comfort the traumatised players.

Meanwhile, outside the house, a steady stream of people have been moving in and out to pay their respects, and meet Khumalo.

Police say the will do all they can to bring Meyiwa's killers to book and have announced that a reward of R150,000 will be given for any information leading to the arrest of the men.

REACTION

Orlando Pirates chairman, Dr Irvin Khoza, said in a statement via the club's website, "This is a sad loss whichever way you look at it - to Senzo's family, his extended family, Orlando Pirates and to the nation."

Meyiwa's agent Mike Makaab said, "It's an absolute tragedy. I've known him since he was 13-years-old. My deepest sympathies to his family."

It did not take long before the news of Meyiwa's tragic passing spread via social media.

A FLOURISHING CAREER

Meyiwa was born on 24 September 1987 in Umlazi, Durban. He began his career at London Cosmos before moving to Pirates in 2002, but only made his professional debut in 2005.

The Buccaneer captain had made 73 appearances for the team and was part of the squad that twice won the treble after the 2010/11 and 2011/12 seasons.

Meyiwa had recently captained Bafana in all four of their 2015 African Cup of Nations qualification fixtures.

While his career was flourishing, his personal life began dominating headlines after a high-profile affair with Khumalo.

Meyiwa's last game for Pirates was Saturday's Telkom Knockout 4-1 win over Ajax Cape Town.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

• 2014: Nedbank Cup Champion.
• 2013/14: Africa Champions League runner up.
• 2010/11: ABSA Premiership winner, Nedbank Cup winner and MTN8 Cup winner
• 2011/12: ABSA Premiership winner, MTN8 winner and Telkom Cup winner.
• 2008/09: Telkom Charity Cup winner, SAA Supa 8 runner-up, Jet Club PSL Rookie of the Month, Telkom Charity Cup runner-up and Vodacom Challenge runner-up.
• 2005/6: PSL runner-up and Vodacom Challenge winner.
  - National level: Captained senior team. Played for South Africa U23, U20 and U17.