South African police have confirmed that Senzo Meyiwa, the captain of South Africa’s national football team, has died after being shot. The incident occurred in Vosloorus, south of Johannesburg, while the goalkeeper was visiting his girlfriend.

Reportedly, three men fled the scene after a number of shots were fired, in what is thought to have been an attempted burglary. Meyiwa was declared dead on his arrival at hospital.

The 27-year-old played for Johannesburg based club Orlando Pirates, and had recently played in South Africa’s last four African Cup of Nations qualifying matches. Orlando Pirates’ chairman Irvin Khoza said: “This is a sad loss whichever way you look at it, to Senzo’s family, his extended family, Orlando Pirates and to the nation.”

South African police have offered a reward of around $14,000 for information which could lead to the suspects’ arrest.

Greg Whitaker