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 that are already under investigation to murder.
The 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. Orlando Pirates and the family announced in a statement that the 75-year-old succumbed to the injuries sustained when he was shot.
With his passing, attempted murder may become murder charge
Gauteng police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili confirmed the development. She said with Tshabalala’s passing, a post-mortem report will determine the charges. That is whether there will be an amendment on the robbery 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.
Post-mortem will determine
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 [responsible],” she said.
She said she was not at liberty to provide further information. Muridili did not want to be dragged into questions on whether the burglary was a hit.
She confirmed that only Tshabalala was shot and injured during the robbery.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo explained the incident. He said at the time of the shooting, three suspects stormed Tshabalala’s house. They held him and his family at gunpoint. The suspects were armed with a firearm and a sharp object.
“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 continue to pour in for the soccer legend affectionately known as Bra Stan.
Sports minister pays tribute to fallen icon
The newly elected Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie commended Tsabalala’s career. He 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 Bafana. The legendary soccer icon also served in various roles in the country’s top teams.
He was head coach at Mamelodi Sundowns from 1986 to 1992. And also played for Chiefs in his 20s. Tshabalala also 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. [After the service], the procession will depart from Grace Bible Church to Westpark Cemetery. There the burial service will be held,” Pirates said in a statement.
