It has been a difficult week for South African sport, with three of the country's sportsmen dying within three days of one another.

Runner Mbulaeni Mulaudzi was killed in a car crash on Friday (October 24), while female boxer Phindile Mwelase died the following day having failed to emerge from a two-week coma

The national goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa was then shot and killed during an apparent robbery at his girlfriend's home on Sunday (October 26).

Writing on the SASCOC website, Sam expressed his shock at the three tragedies before sending his condolences to the "bereaved families" of those that had died.

"It's been a long time since we've had to endure so many tough days at the office here at Olympic House," he wrote.

"The death of not one but three top flight athletes has really shaken us and we are still trying to come to terms with these untimely deaths.

"We were still preparing to pay our last respects to former Olympic athlete, Mbulaeni Mulaudzi, when the tragic shooting of our national football captain and Orlando Pirates captain, Senzo Meyiwa, rocked us hard and left us totally perplexed.

"As if this was not enough for one weekend, we also had to say farewell to Phindile Mwelase, who was injured in a boxing bout and never recovered."

A memorial service has been held in Standard Bank Arena in Johannesburg to honour the three athletes who died last week ©Getty Images



Sam added: "The nation is still in shock and from the very top leadership of the country, condolences have been expressed to the bereaved families.

"One thing though, the outpouring of emotions at the death of these athletes has showed once again that when the chips are down, this rainbow nation can stand together and the grieving families will know that they are not alone in their sorrows.

"It should go without saying that the entire country is in mourning.

"So many questions have been raised and will continue to be raised but from a sporting perspective we know that we are stalked by death all the time.

"What is difficult to understand is when it is a violent death caused by the barrel of a gun as in the case of Senzo.

"We are certain that the law enforcers will bring the culprits to a court of law.

"Life goes on though, it simply has to, and our athletes from all around the country and globe, have expressed their shock and disbelief at the untimely deaths.

"Meanwhile they continue to represent their country with pride."

A memorial service is being held at the Standard Bank Arena in Johannesburg today to honour the three athletes.

South Africa's next 2015 African Nations Cup qualifier at home against Sudan has also been moved to Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban in honour of Meyiwa, who was born in the city.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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