Condolences to Mulaudzi and Meyiwa

South African athlete and Olympic Gold Medal winner, Mbulaeni Mulaudzi died after a car crash last week. Image: In2East Africa

And in another shock development, Bafana Bafana captain and Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa was shot dead during a robbery in Vosloorus while he was reportedly defending his girlfriend Kelly Khumalo. A cellphone was stolen during the armed robbery.

Referring to Mulaudzi, Zuma said: "The nation has lost a true hero and one of our most disciplined and talented athletes, who flew the South African flag across the sporting globe. We wish to convey, on behalf of government and the entire country, our heartfelt condolences to his family, ASA, the South African sports fraternity and the International Olympics Committee. May his soul rest in peace," said Zuma.

He has not yet commented on the death of Meyiwa.

Gauteng MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture Molebatsi Bopape also conveyed her condolences following the death of Mulaudzi, who won a silver medal in the 800m competition at the 2004 Athens Olympics and won a gold at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin.

Details of the Meyiwa shooting remain sketchy at this stage: Two men are believed to have entered the house and Meyiwa was shot in the back but was certified dead when he arrived at the Botshelong Hospital.

Sports and Recreation Minister, Fikille Mbalula has expressed his deep sorrow at the death of Senzo Meyiwa and is reaching out to his family.

The police have offered a R150,000 reward for information that may lead to an arrest.