The police are awaiting the post-mortem report on the death of Orlando Pirates technical director Stanley “Screamer” Tshabalala to determine whether to change one of the charges under investigation to murder.
Shot during a burglary
The police’s Tshwane district detectives are investigating a case of house robbery and attempted murder after the former Bafana Bafana coach was shot during a burglary at his home in Centurion on March 20.
Tshabalala passed away in hospital on July 11. Pirates and the family announced in a statement that Tshabalala, 75, succumbed to the injury he sustained when he was shot.
Gauteng police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili said with Tshabalala’s passing, a post-mortem report will determine whether there will be an amendment on the charges under investigation.
“The police will await the post-mortem report to determine whether or not the case can be changed from attempted murder to murder,” she said.
Funeral of Thursday
Tshabalala will be buried on Thursday.
Muridili said no arrests have yet been made. “The police are following all possible leads to trace the perpetrators,” she said, adding that she was not at liberty to provide further information.
She confirmed that only Tshabalala was shot and injured during the robbery.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo said at the time of the shooting that three suspects attacked Tshabalala’s house. The suspects were armed with a firearm and a sharp object. They stormed Tshabalala’s house and held him and his family at gunpoint.
“The suspects then shot him and took laptops and cellphones from the house. Police have opened a case of house robbery and attempted murder for investigation.”
Tshabalala was apparently shot during a fight in the bedroom.
Tributes pour in
Tributes continue to pour in for the soccer legend affectionately known as Bra Stan.
The newly elected Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, said Tshabalala’s contribution to soccer “fostered many football talents and teams over several decades.”.
Tshabalala played a prominent role in South African football history. He was the first coach of Bafana. He also served in various roles on the country’s top teams.
Tshabalala was head coach at Mamelodi Sundowns from 1986 to 1992. He also played for the Chiefs in his 20s and had a stint as an administrator with the Glamour Boys.
He has been with the Buccaneers in various roles since 2008.
“The funeral service will commence at 9am at Grace Bible Church in Pimville, Soweto. The procession will depart from Grace Bible Church to Westpark Cemetery, where the burial service will be held,” Pirates said in a statement.
