Sindani, also a former chief executive of Athletics South Africa, was reportedly killed in an armed robbery in his house in the early hours of Monday (November 30) morning.

A group of three assailants descended on his property in Ruimsig, with one overpowering the guard in front of the house as the other two entered the duplex.

They fired one single shot which hit Sindani and he died at the house in front of his 12-year-old daughter, according to police  spokesman, Captain Tsekiso Mofokeng, before leaving with a television and a few other items.

No arrests have yet been made in connection with the killing.

Sindani was the last survivor of 13 brothers and was highly regarded as one of South Africa’s top sporting administrators.

He is survived by his wife and six children.

“Banele played a vital role in many of our structures in sport,” SASCOC President Gideon Sam said.

“His untimely death robs us of a seasoned sport administrator.

“Our thoughts are with his family at this time.”

Sindani was still actively involved in athletics in the country as a member of the Soweto Marathon Trust, which organises the annual 42 kilometres race in Johannesburg.

“We mourn the sudden loss of our former colleague Banele, who as the first chief executive of SASCOC set an example of good sports administration,” SASCOC chief executive Tubby Reddy said.

“As the country’s macro sports movement we are deeply saddened by the loss of such an influential sports administrator who contributed immensely to South African sport for more than two decades.”

His death has sent shockwaves around South Africa and Sindani’s niece, Khosi Jiyane told newspaper The Star the manner in which her uncle was killed was “unworthy”.

“These are times when we are all at a loss for words,” she said.

“For the extent of his involvement in the country and internationally, to die over a TV, it’s so unworthy of the person that he is.”