Suspect charged in murder of S. Africa national football team captain

A suspect has been charged with the murder of Senzo Meyiwa, South Africa’s national football team captain, authorities said Friday. The suspect, 25-year-old Zenokuhle Mbatha, will be held in custody until his next court appearance on Nov. 11, according to the Twitter account of the South African police force. The suspect also faces a charge of armed robbery, said Nathi Mncube, spokesman for the National Prosecuting Authority. Meyiwa, a goalkeeper for South Africa and club team Orlando Pirates, was fatally shot Sunday night in an apparent house robbery. His death in Vosloorus township near Johannesburg led to an outpouring of dismay and anger in South Africa, which has a high murder rate. Authorities said three suspects were involved in the break-in that led to Meyiwa’s death. Police launched a manhunt and offered a reward of nearly $23,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Meyiwa’s killers.

He will be back in court on 11 November.

Nathi Mncube, spokesman, National Prosecuting Authority

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