South Africa’s rugby fraternity was reeling on Monday after the murder of former Springbok forward Solly Tyibilika who was gunned down in a shebeen in Nyanga on Sunday.
As the police began the hunt for the two men who opened fire at patrons in a tavern on Terminus Street at 2.20pm, his former teammates, coaches and rugby bosses paid tribute to a “special player”.
Dave Kagan, the president of Hamilton’s Rugby Club where Tyibilika coached the under-19 team, said the club was devastated.
“We have lost one of our special players. He played an important role as a role model coaching our under-19s, helping us bridge and bring up players into the senior level. With his experience and demeanour, we cannot speak highly enough of him.” SA Rugby Union president Oregon Hoskins said Tyibilika led the way for black rugby players. He was the first black African to score a Test try for the Springboks.
“Solly was a trailblazer among black African Springboks and to lose him so suddenly and in this brutal manner is very distressing. The casual disregard for life in our society is shocking,” said Hoskins.
“His emergence was a demonstration of what can be achieved when talent is combined with opportunity in what is always a very competitive position in Springbok rugby. I remember a very talented player and an immensely likeable young man who rose far and fast to become a Springbok early in his career.”
Meanwhile, police spokesman Frederick van Wyk
said one of the gunmen had escaped in a sedan taxi, while the other had fled on foot towards the KTC informal settlement.
At the tavern on Sunday morning, an employee said she saw Tyibilika and two friends drinking beers on Sunday, pointing to the bench where they had been sitting.
The woman said she was in the kitchen at the time of the shooting and did not hear any gunshots. The scene had been cleaned up this morning.
The mother of Tyibilika’s two children, Viwe Booi, told the Cape Argus on Monday that a family spokesperson would be appointed.
She said no decisions had been taken in connection with Tyibilika’s death and that the family was still coming to terms with the tragedy.
She confirmed that she and the Bok had two children, a boy and a girl, aged two and just nine months.
Former Bok teammates expressed their shock on Twitter.
Bryan Habana said: “Wow, that is hectic news!! Do you know what happened?”
Pierre Spies said: “My sincere sympathy goes out to the family of Solly Tyibilika.”
Gurthro Steenkamp said: “My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Solly Tyibilika!”
Ross Skeate said: “Terrible news about an amazing guy Solly Tyibilika leaving us. I’ll never forget spending three weeks in Romania with the man. RIP brother.”
BJ Botha said: “Can’t believe this news about Solly Tyibilika… so sad.”
Victor Matfield said: “How sad is it about Solly Tyibilika. Thinking of his family. We’ve got such a great country, if we can only sort out these terrible acts.”
Last month, Tyibilika was arrested in Crossroads for the illegal possession of a 9mm pistol, and later released on R800 bail by the Athlone Magistrate’s Court. He was due to return to court on January 26.
Tyibilika was born in Zwide township in Port Elizabeth on June 23, 1979.
He made his professional debut for Griquas in 2001 before moving on to the Sharks and then the Lions. He made his Test debut for the Springboks against Scotland in November 2004, aged 25.
His last Test was in August 2006 against New Zealand.
He was named Supersport Club Championship Player of the Tournament in 2003. - Cape Argus