Johannesburg - President Jacob Zuma on Monday said he was saddened, shocked and outraged at the shooting death of Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates goalkeeper and captain Senzo Meyiwa.
Zuma voiced his “shock, sadness and outrage” at the death of 27-year-old Meyiwa, who was shot dead at about 8pm in Vosloorus, Ekurhuleni, on Sunday.
“We mourn the death of this young footballer and team leader whose life has been taken away at the prime of his career,” Zuma said in a statement.
The president said that law enforcement authorities “must leave no stone unturned in finding his killers and bring them to justice.”
“Words cannot express the nation's shock at this loss.”
The ANC also said in a statement that it was joining South Africa in mourning Meyiwa's death.
“The brutal killing of this rising star has left our nation shocked, saddened, and all that much poorer for the loss of this young and promising athlete,” spokesman Zizi Kodwa said.
The party sent its condolences to Meyiwa's family, friends, and the football fraternity.
“We call upon the SA Police Services (SAPS) to move with speed to bring his killers to face the wrath of our law. Anyone with any information on this tragic incident is encouraged to co-operate with the SAPS.”
The DAsaid it had high hopes Meyiwa would have led “a youthful new-look Bafana Bafana” to revive South African football.
“His incredible influence on Bafana Bafana's current form is underscored by the fact that he was the only goalkeeper yet to concede a single goal in the first four fixtures of the African Cup of Nations qualifying matches,” DA MP Solly Malatsi said.
“No effort must be spared to track down his murderers and prosecute them. We trust that the Gauteng SAPS will act swiftly to arrest these criminals.”
Ekurhuleni mayor Mondli Gungubele said Meyiwa's death came just as his soccer career was blossoming.
“He was proving to be a major asset for both Bafana and Pirates. His prowess was clearly confirmed when he was given the captain's arm band both at Pirates and Bafana,” Gungubele said.
“What makes this incident even more difficult to swallow is the fact that the man had a brilliant game for his team against Ajax on Saturday night, and less than 24 hours later he is no more.”
The Inkatha Freedom Party said the country lost a sports hero.
“Not only was he one of the foremost ambassadors of South African sport, but also a role model for aspiring young soccer stars. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.” IFP MPL Nhlanhla Msimango said in a statement.
“Our beautiful country seems to have a dangerously negative and a growing reputation as a crime-ridden destination and this is certainly not helping our emerging democracy.”
Cricket SA chief executive Haroon Lorgat said the deaths of Meyiwa and Olympic silver medallist Mbulaeni Mulaudzi, who died in an accident on Friday, was a “sad time” for South African sports”.
“On behalf of the CSA family I extend our deepest condolences to the many people who have been deeply affected by this double tragedy,” he said in a statement.
Proteas Test captain Hashim Amla and One Day International captain AB de Villiers paid tribute to Meyiwa on behalf of the team.
“Death is never an easy situation to deal with, especially when the person was held in high esteem and admiration among his peers and the soccer-loving South African public,” Amla said.
“Let's also take this time to appreciate Senzo's young life and achievements, he made a big impact for Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates at an early age and should be remembered for that.”
De Villiers said he hoped everyone would pull together after Meyiwa's death.
“On behalf of the Proteas, I'd like to send our deepest and sincerest condolences to his family, friends, and team-mates during this tough time.”
Sapa and AFP