Share

'Bok murder no coincidence'

Cape Town – In the wake of former Springbok flank, Solly Tyibilika's murder, reports suggest that the fatal shooting was in fact no coincidence.

VIDEO: Rest in Peace Solly Tyibilika

According to the Daily Voice, Tyibilika was at a local drinking hotspot in the New Crossroads township at around 14:20 on Sunday afternoon when two gunmen walked up behind him while he was drinking and shot him in a rain of gunfire.

“I was in the kitchen when I heard the gunshots, then when I went to check what happened, Solly was injured, but (then) he died on the scene ,” the owner of the shebeen told the tabloid.

The owner could not confirm the number of gunmen who entered the premises.

Another witness recalls how one of the gunmen instructed him to move out of the way and said that Tyibilika was targeted.

“One of them came to me and told me to ‘move to the side’. He said he wasn’t here to shoot me, but Solly who was sitting behind me,” said the unidentified witness.

“I ran and went under the table and then I heard them shooting too many rounds to count.

“After that they left, but I was too scared to move and I could hear him (Tyibilika) struggle to breathe.

“I waited until people came to see what happened and ran to my car and went home.

“This was not a robbery because they left all the other patrons alive and killed him – there was no conversation, they just shot him,” he added.

“And Solly clearly didn’t expect it because he didn’t show any sign of fear while sitting there.”

It is further reported that two other patrons in the shebeen were injured and were taken to a nearby hospital.

Tyibilika, along with Sandile Maqungu and Simon Shumane, were arrested last month after police stopped Tyibilika’s vehicle after noticing he was driving without his headlights switched on, they then found a firearm hidden in his glove compartment.

They appeared in Athlone Magisrates’ Court on October 19, where they were charged with the illegal possession of a firearm. Tyibilika was released on bail of R800. A week after their release, Shumane was fatally gunned down.

Meanwhile, no suspects have been arrested in connection with Tyibilika’s murder, which was confirmed by SAPS spokesperson, Captain Frederick van Wyk.

“Yesterday (Sunday), two unidentified men entered a tavern in a New Crossroads, in Gugulethu, and shot at the people inside,” he said.

“They then ran out and one was seen jumping into a cockroach taxi and another ran in to the direction of KTC.”

Anyone with information on the shooting is urged to call Crime Stop on 086 00 10111.
 
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1223 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1419 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2152 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE