Tragedy: Captain of South Africa’s football team shot dead in his house

South Africa’s international goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa has been shot dead, police have announced.

Senzo Meyiwa during the CAF Champions League Final second leg in Cairo (Picture: AFP/Getty)

Two gunmen entered a house in Vosloorus township, near Johannesburg, while an accomplice waited outside, before fleeing on foot after the 27-year-old had been shot, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said on its Twitter account.

And the national force said a reward of 150,000 rand (£8,500) had been offered for any information leading to an arrest.

A series of tweets from Saps read:
‘We have to break (sic) normal protocol. We can confirm that Bucs keeper Senzo Meyiwa has been shot and sadly declared dead on arrival at hospital.
‘Info at this stage is that 7 men entered the house. There was an altercation. #SenzoMeyiwa was shot. Suspects fled on foot.
‘The incident happened at around 20h00, Zamo Section in Vosloorus. Reward of up to R150 000 is on offer 4 any info that can lead to arrest.’

His club, Orlando Pirates, for who Meyiwa played on Saturday, then said: ‘The @Orlando-Pirates family has learned with sadness of the untimely death of our number 1 keeper & captain Senzo Meyiwa.’
Club chairman Dr Irvin Khoza added: ‘This is a sad loss to Senzo’s family especially his children, to Orlando Pirates & the nation.’

Dean Furman, one of Meyiwa’s teammates, tweeted: ‘Beyond devastated at the loss of our captain & friend Senzo Meyiwa. Thoughts & prayers are with his family & friends at this terrible time.’

On Saturday, Meyiwa played for the Pirates in a 4-1 win over Ajax Cape Town, while he captained the national side in its four qualifiers for the African Cup of Nations this year.

Former Tottenham and Portsmouth midfielder and Ghana international Kevin Prince Boateng tweeted: ‘TRAGEDY!!!! R.I.P. Senzo Meyiwa. My condolences to his family&friends.’

South African cricketer Vernon Philander said on Twitter: ‘My thoughts and prayers goes out the family of Senzo Meyiwa. May you find the comfort in the Lord during this difficult time. RIP.’