South Africa is in mourning following the death of national team goalkeeper and captain Senzo Meyiwa. The 27-year old, who also played for PSL side Orlando Pirates, was shot dead yesterday night by armed robbers at his girlfriend's, pop musician Kelly Khumalo, house in Vosloorus, a town located 33 kilometres south of Johannesburg. The previous day, Meyiwa was in action for his team as they beat Ajax Cape Town 4-1 to progress to the semi-finals of the Telkom Knockout Trophy.
His death has rocked African and world football and among those who to sent their tributes include Orlando Pirates' archrivals Kaizer Chiefs, Tunisia's Esperance de Tunis, Egyptian football club Zamalek FC, Enyimba FC of Nigeria and English Premier League side Everton.
We are shocked and saddened by the passing on of & Goalkeeper & Captain, Senzo Meyiwa. May he Rest In Peace.
— Kaizer Chiefs (@Kaizer_Chiefs)
RIP Senzo Meyiwa, South African and Orlando Pirates GK who was shot dead today. Our sincere condolences to his family
— Espérance de Tunis (@EDTnet)
sends their condolences to after the death of their goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa. Stay Strong!
— Zamalek SC (@ZSCOfficial)
Our hearts go out to family, friends and supporters of Senzo Meyiwa, & goalkeeper who passed on today.
— Enyimba Int'l FC (@EnyimbaFC)
Our thoughts are with the family of Senzo Meyiwa, the South Africa captain and goalkeeper who has been tragically shot dead.
— Everton (@Everton)
Following Meyiwa's death, the Orlando Pirates-Kaizer Chiefs league match that was to be played next weekend has been postponed. In a press conference held today by the club, Orlando Pirates chairman Dr. Irvin Khoza urged the media and everyone to assist the police in bringing Meyiwa's killers to book and also raised concern over the rise gun-related crime in South Africa. According to police records, 800 people were murdered last year in South Africa's and following Meyiwa's death, calls for tougher gun laws and better security have become stronger.