President Jacob Zuma expressed shock and outrage today at the death of Bafana Bafana captain Senzo Meyiwa."We mourn the death of this young footballer and team leader whose life has been taken away at the prime of his career.
"The law enforcement authorities must leave no stone unturned in finding his killers and bring them to justice," Zuma said in a statement
"Words cannot express the nation's shock at this loss. We wish to extend, on behalf of government and all the people of South Africa, our words of condolence to his family and relatives, his friends, and peers in the football game, his club Orlando Pirates, and our national soccer team, as well as the football fraternity as a whole."
The 27-year-old national team and Pirates goalkeeper and captain was shot dead at about 8pm in Vosloorus, Ekurhuleni, on Sunday.
Meyiwa death was also was met with shock on Monday by political parties and sporting bodies.
The African National Congress said 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 in a statement.
The Democratic Alliance said 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.
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.
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.
Cricket SA chief executive Haroon Lorgat said the deaths of Meyiwa and Olympic 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.
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."
The SA Rugby Union (Saru) also paid its respects to Meyiwa,
"The loss of any life is sad and tragic and along with the South African Football Association and everyone else in South African sport we'd like to pay our respects to Senzo today," said Saru president Oregan Hoskins.
Springbok captain Jean de Villiers also paid his respects to Meyiwa.
"Senzo's death is very tragic and unnecessary... He was one of those sportsmen who came through the ranks and worked very hard to get to the top. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and team-mates on this very sad day for South African sport."
The ANC Youth League proposed that the Premier Soccer League and soccer authorities consider postponing the derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates this coming Saturday.
"We are sick and tired of this new wave of violent killings and attempted murders that are carried-out in a disguise of robbery," it said.
Lobby group AfriForum condemned the murder.
"The murder of Meyiwa once again highlights the fact that crime in South Africa is reaching crisis proportions and that the community will have to start safeguarding themselves within the framework of the law by establishing and getting actively involved in community safety initiatives," AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel said.
Police spokesman Brigadier Neville Malila could not confirm earlier on Monday whether Meyiwa was at his girlfriend, singer and actress Kelly Khumalo's home when he was shot dead.
He was reportedly shot while protecting her.
No arrests had yet been made and police were investigating a case of murder.
The SAPS tweeted on Sunday: "There were seven people inside the house. Two suspects went into the house, one remained outside. The three fled on foot after the shooting."
Police have offered a R150,000 reward for information that could lead to the arrest of the killers.
National police commissioner Riah Phiyega would address the media about the investigation into Meyiwa's shooting later on Monday.
Zuma expresses shock at Meyiwa's death
"We mourn the death of this young footballer and team leader whose life has been taken away at the prime of his career.
"The law enforcement authorities must leave no stone unturned in finding his killers and bring them to justice," Zuma said in a statement
"Words cannot express the nation's shock at this loss. We wish to extend, on behalf of government and all the people of South Africa, our words of condolence to his family and relatives, his friends, and peers in the football game, his club Orlando Pirates, and our national soccer team, as well as the football fraternity as a whole."
The 27-year-old national team and Pirates goalkeeper and captain was shot dead at about 8pm in Vosloorus, Ekurhuleni, on Sunday.
Meyiwa death was also was met with shock on Monday by political parties and sporting bodies.
The African National Congress said 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 in a statement.
The Democratic Alliance said 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.
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.
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.
Cricket SA chief executive Haroon Lorgat said the deaths of Meyiwa and Olympic 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.
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."
The SA Rugby Union (Saru) also paid its respects to Meyiwa,
"The loss of any life is sad and tragic and along with the South African Football Association and everyone else in South African sport we'd like to pay our respects to Senzo today," said Saru president Oregan Hoskins.
Springbok captain Jean de Villiers also paid his respects to Meyiwa.
"Senzo's death is very tragic and unnecessary... He was one of those sportsmen who came through the ranks and worked very hard to get to the top. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and team-mates on this very sad day for South African sport."
The ANC Youth League proposed that the Premier Soccer League and soccer authorities consider postponing the derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates this coming Saturday.
"We are sick and tired of this new wave of violent killings and attempted murders that are carried-out in a disguise of robbery," it said.
Lobby group AfriForum condemned the murder.
"The murder of Meyiwa once again highlights the fact that crime in South Africa is reaching crisis proportions and that the community will have to start safeguarding themselves within the framework of the law by establishing and getting actively involved in community safety initiatives," AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel said.
Police spokesman Brigadier Neville Malila could not confirm earlier on Monday whether Meyiwa was at his girlfriend, singer and actress Kelly Khumalo's home when he was shot dead.
He was reportedly shot while protecting her.
No arrests had yet been made and police were investigating a case of murder.
The SAPS tweeted on Sunday: "There were seven people inside the house. Two suspects went into the house, one remained outside. The three fled on foot after the shooting."
Police have offered a R150,000 reward for information that could lead to the arrest of the killers.
National police commissioner Riah Phiyega would address the media about the investigation into Meyiwa's shooting later on Monday.
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