Senzo Meyiwa shot dead: South African president leads tributes to national football team captain

Police said there was an 'altercation' at the home of singer and actress Kelly Khumalo on Sunday night, during which the 27-year-old goalkeeper was fatally shot

Senzo Robert Meyiwa makes a diving save against Australia during their friendly soccer match in Sydney (AP)

South Africa woke this morning to the shocking news that its national football team’s goalkeeper and captain Senzo Meyiwa was shot and killed during an apparent burglary attempt.

Local officials said the 27-year-old had been fatally wounded after he intervened when one of two intruders pointed a gun at his pop star girlfriend Kelly Khumalo, who had posted a picture of them together on Instagram earlier in the day.

Leading the tributes to the Orlando Pirates player was the South African president Jacob Zuma, who “expressed shock, sadness and outrage at the death”.

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

“The law enforcement authorities must leave no stone unturned in finding his killers and bring them to justice. Words cannot express the nation’s shock at this loss.”

Responses came from all walks of South African life, including the award-winning hip hop artist AKA, who tweeted: “The death of Senzo Meyiwa is extremely sad and disturbing. Spare a thought and a prayer for Kelly too. Heartbreaking.

TV presenter Minnie Dlamini said: “Woke up to the shocking news of the passing of Senzo Meyiwa. Usishiyile isikhala bhutwam' ulale ngoxolo. Prayers to the family.

The British broadcaster Piers Morgan tweeted that the news was a sign of “very dark days for South African sport”. He added: “Guns yet again wrecking lives.”

South Africa’s cricketers, in New Zealand for a one-day international series, were among the first to react to Meyiwa’s death.

Wayne Parnell tweeted: “Saddened to wake up here in New Zealand and hear such horrific news about the passing of Senzo Meyiwa.”

Vernon Philander said: "My thoughts and prayers goes out the family of Senzo Meyiwa. May you find the comfort in the Lord during this difficult time. RIP."

The strongest reaction came from South African football, however. National team coach Ephraim Mashaba and several of Meyiwa's teammates met at the hospital where he died, while Orlando Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza said in a statement: “This is a sad loss whichever way you look at it - to Senzo's family, his extended family, Orlando Pirates and to the nation.”

Rival team Kaizer Chiefs tweeted: “Death be not proud... Our thoughts and prayers go out to Senzo Meyiwa’s family, friends and the Orlando Pirates & football fraternity.”

Wayne Rooney of Manchester United and Senzo Meyiwa of the Orlando Pirates in action during the Vodacom Challenge match between Orlando Pirates and Manchester United (Getty)

South African footballer Dean Furman, who plays for Doncaster Rovers, wrote: “Beyond devastated at the loss of our captain and friend Senzo Meyiwa. Thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this terrible time.”

Andile Jali, who plays in the Belgian first division, said: “Just got a call and I was sleeping but now I can't sleep.2

And the former Tottenham and Portsmouth midfielder and Ghana international Kevin Prince Boateng said on Twitter: “TRAGEDY!!!! RIP Senzo Meyiwa. My condolences to his family and friends.”