WINDHOEK – The senseless shooting of Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana number one shot stopper Senzo Meyiwa has been met with disdain by Namibian footballers plying their trade in the South African Professional Soccer League (PSL).
Meyiwa, 27, was shot dead while trying to protect his girlfriend and mother of his daughter, popular singer Kelly Khumalo.
“Eish, it’s very sad my broer! When things like these happen one does not know what to say. I came to know Bra Senzo when I joined Pirates and must confess he was a funny character, a crazy guy, always cracking jokes while laughing all the time.
“I watched him playing against Ajax Cape Town on Saturday only to learn he is no more the next moment. What a tragedy for South African football, my condolences to his family and friends – RIP Nzori,” wrote Rudolf Bester, former team mate of Meyiwa.
Brave Warriors stalwart defender, Dudes Mwedihanga, also joined mourners from that neck of the woods and chose his words carefully when New Era Sport contacted him.
“It’s very bad but it has probably awakened us to the fact that God has never set up an exact date as to when we exit this world. Senzo was fairly young and still at the pinnacle of his football career, the boy was making rapid progress for both club and country and to die such a tragic death is heartbreaking for many of us here in the PSL.”
Warriors captain Stigga Ketjijere says there are no words to describe how Senzo’s sudden departure has affected all footballers campaigning in the PSL.
“He was on the up and a role model to many upcoming footballers, an inspirational figure for his team-mates both in Bafana Bafana and his club Orlando Pirates.
“News of his death just hours after we watched him play for his beloved club was very hard to digest but again that showed us how short life can be. Circumstances surrounding his killing will obviously teach us as professionals to be careful of how we conduct ourselves off the pitch.”
Speaking at the scene of the crime in Vosloorus on the East Rand, Gauteng Community Safety MEC, Sizakele Nkosi-Malubane, said there were two suspects who were involved in the shooting.
“Two guys entered the house and demanded mobile phones, money and other valuables. Meyiwa tried to protect Khumalo since one of the men had a gun pointed towards her.”
Nkosi-Malubane said the bullet went through Meyiwa’s back, exiting through his chest. He was pronounced dead on arrival at Botshelong hospital.
Police yesterday offered N$150 000 reward for information that would lead to the arrest of the killers of Meyiwa.
“Reward of up to N$150 000 is on offer for any info that can lead to arrest,” the SA Police Service tweeted.
“The 27-year-old goalkeeper was shot dead at about 8pm on Sunday, at a house in the Zamo Section in Vosloorus. According to reports, 7 people were inside the house with two suspects venturing into the house while one remained outside. The trio fled on foot after the shooting,” SAPS tweeted. No other person was injured.