The murder of Orlando Pirates and national goal keeper Senzo Meyiwa over the weekend is absolutely despicable and has rightly been condemned by all South Africans. The Meyiwa family, his team and the nation have been robbed of a phenomenal talent that had begun to have its impact felt on the international footballing stage.
I join the millions of my compatriots in conveying heart-felt condolences to the Meyiwa and Orlando Pirates families. I wish them strength to face this terrible situation during this difficult period. Like them and many other compatriots, I also look forward to the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for so vile a deed.
Meyiwa was a much-liked footballer who distinguished himself at Orlando Pirates over the years and in the colours of our national football team in recent months, and went on to captain our national team. Without doubt, he was one of the most talented young men playing football on the African continent at the moment and would appear to have been well on his way towards realising his ambition to be among the best goal minders in the world.
At only 27 at the time of this terrible tragedy, Meyiwa must certainly have had an even brighter future ahead of himself not only on the sports fields, but also in life in general. At a time like this, our thoughts and prayers go to his young family, his parents and his siblings, who will continue to feel his gaping absence in their lives long after South Africa will have moved on to deal with other matters.
The decisive action taken by the South African Police Service to improve their chances of speedily apprehending Senzo's murderers is to be welcomed. By offering a reward of R250 000 for information leading to the arrest and successful prosecution of the murderers, the police have considerably improved their chances of making a breakthrough in this matter.
National Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega even moved equally swiftly to announce, at a press conference on Monday, the formation of a special unit to investigate this dastardly murder. In addition, various stakeholders, including the Minister of Sports, the ruling party and the Presidency, also condemned the killing and conveyed condolences to the Meyiwa family.