South Africa's minister of sport and recreation Fikile Mbalula has urged anyone with any relevant information to come forward to police after Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa was shot dead on Sunday night.
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.
Mbalula said he was "deeply shocked" and that it was a "sad day" for South Africa, before posting a fuller statement on Twitter in which he called for the "thugs" responsible to be brought to book.
"The minister of sports and recreation, Minister Fikile Mbalula, has sadly learnt of the untimely passing of Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa, who died through gunshot wounds at the hands of criminals yesterday at 8pm in Vosloorus at the house of his companion," a statement read.
"We have already interacted with the president of SAFA, Dr Danny Jordaan, Dr Irvin Khoza at Orlando Pirates as well as the father of Senzo Meyiwa.
"We humbly encourage all individuals who have any information on on the whereabouts of these thugs to co-operate fully with the police on the urgent apprehension of these shameless individuals.
"We urge the police to leave no stone unturned in apprehending the thugs as a matter of urgency. Our society will never be at peace until the suspects have been arrested and been brought under the wrath of the country's legal system.
"We would like to convey our heartfelt condolences to Senzo Meyiwa's family, his club, Orlando Pirates, the nation and the entire football and sporting fraternity."
Mbalula added: "The death of Senzo Meyiwa has robbed this country of an icon and a legend in the making."
The national police force said a reward of 150,000 rand, around £8,500, had been offered for any information leading to an arrest.
A series of tweets from SAPS on Sunday evening read: ''We have to break 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.'
"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."
Orlando Pirates will on Monday morning hold a press conference at which chairman Dr Irvin Khoza "will address members of the media regarding yesterday's sad news", the club said on Twitter.
The club posted on Sunday night: ''The @Orlando_Pirates family has learned with sadness of the untimely death of our number 1 keeper & captain Senzo Meyiwa.''
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 team-mates, tweeted: ''Beyond devastated at the loss of our captain & friend Senzo Meyiwa. Thoughts & prayers are with his family & friends at this terrible time.''
Meyiwa played for the Pirates in a 4-1 win over Ajax Cape Town on Saturday, and captained the national team in four African Nations Cup qualifiers 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.''
Source: PA
