Eastern Cape police are offering a reward of up to R50,000 to anyone with information that may lead to arrests in the slaying of well-known soccer boss Siphiwo ’Mawawa’ Nyobo.
Nyobo, 54, owner of top second division side Tornado FC, was gunned down in a hail of bullets outside East London’s North End stadium on March 2, minutes after his team thrashed Birmingham City 4-1.
The reward is being offered by police after attempts to find the three unknown suspects came to nought, said provincial police spokesperson Captain Khaya Tonjeni.
“A reward of up to R50,000 is offered to any person who can provide the police with information which may lead to the arrest and successful prosecution and conviction of the suspect/s involved in the murder.”
“Several attempts to gather information on these suspects and vehicle have been unsuccessful,” said Tonjeni.
After the attack, three suspects fled the scene in an Isuzu Swift vehicle. The vehicle’s registration number is not known.
Anyone with any information can contact the investigating officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Bonisile Mkupa, on 071-671-7770/083- 2565-760 or contact him at his office on 043-7070-653.
Information can also be shared on the SAPS Crime Stop number on 086-0010-111-32211, or any nearby police station.
The death of the former taxi boss and full-time traditional healer sent shockwaves across the nation, sparking an outpouring of grief.
Sport & recreation minister Thokozile Xasa visited Nyobo's family at NU 17 last weekend to pay her respects.
She will join mourners at his funeral, also in NU17, on Saturday. The funeral proceedings begin at 8am.
Nyobo’s memorial service was organised by the South African Football Association at the East London City Hall on Wednesday. Nyobo was also a boxing promoter, said Eastern Cape Boxing provincial manager Phakamile Jacob.
Jacob said at the time Nyobo had been killed he was helping him organise a big boxing tournament.
“Mawawa had a boxing club in the 1980s and a shop in NU9 while he was working for the provincial government in Bhisho. We will remember him for his skill at spotting talent and developing people to reach their full potential. He was born in order to develop other people. During his time on earth he produced players and sangomas.”..