NFP calls for unit against crime

The killing of Bafana Bafana captain Senzo Meyiwa should unite South Africans against crime, the National Freedom Party said on Monday.

"It demands that we all come together and form a united front," party leader Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi said in a statement.

Gauteng community safety MEC Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane urged people to come forward with information regarding his killers.

She said police could not win the battle against crime alone, and needed the help of residents.

Gauteng detective unit head Maj-Gen Norman Taioe told reporters in Johannesburg that Meyiwa was shot in his upper body in the Vosloorus, Ekurhuleni, home of his girlfriend, singer and actress Kelly Khumalo, on Sunday night.

"We do not have evidence which suggests that this was a contract killing or a hit on Mr Meyiwa," he said.

"There was no gun aimed specifically at him."

Two men entered Khumalo's home as the 27-year-old national team and Orlando Pirates goalkeeper and captain, and his friends, were leaving. One of the attackers was waiting outside.

"Senzo and his friends were leaving when the two entered the house. One of the attackers bumped into the first friend and a scuffle ensued," Taioe said.

One shot was fired inside the house, and two more were fired randomly outside. The three fled the scene with a stolen cellphone.

Meyiwa's father Sam told reporters in Umlazi, Durban, that the bullet that took his son's life killed a part of him.

"They [the police] must make sure they get these people who killed my son. I want them in jail. I want them in custody. I want to talk to them and ask them why they killed my son. It's like they killed myself.

"I don't know if I'm coming or going. My heart is broken. I'm just finished."

National police commissioner Riah Phiyega announced that she had set up a team of forensic, crime intelligence, and visible policing members to handle the case.

A reward of up R250,000 was being offered for information that could lead to the arrest and conviction of the killers.

After an injury to Itumeleng Khune in September, Meyiwa was appointed Bafana Bafana captain and goalkeeper. He played in all four of South Africa's 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers during the past two months.

At the time of his death, Meyiwa had played seven games for Bafana Bafana and only conceded one goal, in Bafana's 1-1 draw with Australia in May.

Premier Soccer League CEO Brand de Villiers said on Monday the Soweto derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, scheduled for Saturday, would be postponed out of respect to Meyiwa.

Orlando Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza was set to fly to Umlazi on Monday afternoon to meet the Meyiwa family.

"The family will direct us on how to move forward with the funeral arrangements. The funeral is most likely going to be at the weekend," Khoza said.

President Jacob Zuma said words could not explain the nation's shock.

"We mourn the death of this young footballer and team leader whose life has been taken away at the prime of his career," he said.

Springbok captain Jean de Villiers said Meyiwa's death was tragic and unnecessary. Proteas Test captain Hashim Amla and One Day International captain AB de Villiers paid tribute to Meyiwa.

The African National Congress, Democratic Alliance, Economic Freedom Fighters, Inkatha Freedom Party, Pan Africanist Congress of Azania, NFP Youth Movement, and United Democratic Movement offered their condolences, and praise for Meyiwa's prowess.

SA Football Association CEO Dennis Mumble said the association would ensure Meyiwa got "a dignified burial that he deserves".

KwaZulu-Natal sports MEC Ntombikayise Sibhidla-Saphetha said her province was proud of having produced such a gifted athlete. Gauteng sports MEC Molebatsi Bopape said the country had lost a patriot.

SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee president Gideon Sam said: "There are no words to describe our shock and anger. A captain of a national team is respected and adored wherever he goes, but in our country he is hunted down."

Lobby group AfriForum condemned the murder. The Afrikanerbond said it was senseless.