Former Bok flank murdered
14 Nov 2011
Solly Tyibilika was shot and killed in Cape Town on Saturday night.
The news broke via Twitter on Sunday that the 32-year-old Tyibilika had been murdered on Saturday. Supersport commentator Kaunda Ntunja said on his Twitter account: ‘Makhaya Jack [a former SARU player and currently a Supersport commentator] has just come from Sollys home in PE and he has confirmed…Solly Tyibilika has passed away.’
It has now been confirmed that Tyibilika was shot at a tavern in the Cape Town township of Gugulethu. Police confirmed a shooting but had not formally identified the victim on Saturday night.
A witness from the scene told the Daily Voice: ‘This was not a robbery because they left all the other patrons alive and killed him – there was no conversation, they just shot him. And Solly clearly didn’t expect it because he didn’t show any sign of fear while sitting there.’
A number of coaches and players have expressed their sadness on social networking sites, and Saru has also released a statement lamenting the loss of an important player.
‘Solly was a trailblazer among black African Springboks and if the reports are correct, to lose him so suddenly and in this brutal manner is very distressing. The casual disregard for life in our society is shocking,’ said Regan Hoskins, president of Saru.
‘His emergence was a demonstration of what can be achieved when talent is combined with opportunity in what is always a very competitive position in Springbok rugby. I remember a very talented player and an immensely likeable young man who rose far and fast to become a Springbok early in his career.’
Tyibilika played eight games for his country, the last of which was as far back as 2006. He struggled to play regularly at Super Rugby level after that, and was until recently coaching the U19A side at Cape Town club Hamiltons.
268 Comments
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14 Nov 2011, 07:10 am
RIP Solly.
14 Nov 2011, 07:27 am
eish this s so sad.
always rated solly when he was a shark.
condlencs to his friends and family.
14 Nov 2011, 07:29 am
SollyT RIP.
14 Nov 2011, 07:45 am
RIP Solly
14 Nov 2011, 08:13 am
RIP Solly
See you at the Crossroads.
14 Nov 2011, 08:14 am
What a waste of a young life! RIP Solly.
14 Nov 2011, 08:54 am
RIP Solomzi “Solly” Tyibilika.May your life as a rugby player continue to be an inspiration to young rugby players from the dusty townships of SA even in death.May they know that it is possible to rise and get to the top and become Springboks.You are a true legend and you will never be forgotten HERO.
14 Nov 2011, 09:04 am
My condolances to Solly’s family, and all who loved him.
Solly was a very good rugby player, but due to pressure on SA Rugby to Transform, was perhaps rushed into the Boks before he was ready.
The young man had a lot resting on his shoulders,
too much really.
It’s a hard world out there.
Rest easy Solly, and thanks for the memories.
14 Nov 2011, 09:17 am
huh????
‘Bok murder was no accident’
2011-11-14 09:01Email | Print
Solly Tyibilika (Getty Images)
Related Links
SARU shocked by Bok’s murder Former Springbok shot dead All Black star in drunken spree Cape Town – In the wake of the murder of former Springbok flank, Solly Tyibilika, reports suggest that his death was not an accident.
VIDEO: Rest in Peace Solly Tyibilika
According to the Daily Voice, Tyibilika was at a local drinking hotspot in the New Crossroads township in Gugulethu at around 14:20 on Sunday afternoon when three gunmen walked up behind him while he was drinking and shot him in a rain of gunfire.
“I was in the kitchen when I heard the gunshots, then when I went to check what happened, Solly was injured, but (then) he died on the scene ,” the owner of the shebeen told the tabloid.
The owner could not confirm the number of gunmen who entered the premises.
Another witness recalls how one of the gunmen instructed him to move out of the way and said that Tyibilika was targeted.
“One of them came to me and told me to ‘move to the side’. He said he wasn’t here to shoot me, but Solly who was sitting behind me,” said the unidentified witness.
“I ran and went under the table and then I heard them shooting too many rounds to count.
“After that they left, but I was too scared to move and I could hear him (Tyibilika) struggle to breathe.
“I waited until people came to see what happened and ran to my car and went home.
“This was not a robbery because they left all the other patrons alive and killed him – there was no conversation, they just shot him,” he added.
“And Solly clearly didn’t expect it because he didn’t show any sign of fear while sitting there.”
It is further reported that two other patrons in the shebeen were injured and were taken to a nearby hospital.
Tyibilika, along with Sandile Maqungu and Simon Shumane, were arrested last month after police stopped Tyibilika’s vehicle after noticing he was driving without his headlights switched on, they then found a firearm hidden in his glove compartment.
They appeared in Athlone Magisrates’ Court on October 19, where they were charged with the illegal possession of a firearm. Tyibilika was released on bail of R800. A week after their release, Shumane was fatally gunned down.
Meanwhile, no suspects have been arrested in connection with Tyibilika’s murder, which was confirmed by SAPS spokesperson, Captain Frederick van Wyk.
“Yesterday (Sunday), two unidentified men entered a tavern in a New Crossroads, in Gugulethu, and shot at the people inside,” he said.
“They then ran out and one was seen jumping into a cockroach taxi and another ran in to the direction of KTC.”
Anyone with information on the shooting is urged to call Crime Stop on 086 00 10111.
14 Nov 2011, 09:35 am
Staal, dit was n beplan. Eish skokkend.
14 Nov 2011, 09:51 am
@Staal(Staal)-59:
Disturbing stuff Staal.
14 Nov 2011, 10:07 am
@The Gloater – formerly cane(cane)-61:
Indeed.
A tragedy.
No doubt poops will have an amusing take on it though.
14 Nov 2011, 10:19 am
the ‘township’ has a way of pulling one back, this is no excuse for people to get involved in criminal activity. there’s NOTHING endearing about the townships – human wastelands created to house migrant cheap labour!
they are the biggest breeding ground for criminals in this country, places where the “smart guy” is the one stealing rather than the one studying for an honours degree.
this is just messed up!
rip sollyt
14 Nov 2011, 10:30 am
@Transformation(Transformation)-63:
Well said. And very sad.
14 Nov 2011, 10:31 am
@Transformation(Transformation)-63:
Rather kak news, add the death of Peter Roebuck at Newlands on Saturday as well and it truly was a dark sporting weekend in the fairest Cape.
14 Nov 2011, 10:42 am
63.Transie.
Apt assessment of the township.Was born and raised in Umlazi Township myself.My parents moved us out in mid 90′s..
And that environment is where majority of young black saffas are housed.
One must know where they come from & his people which is why I go back from time to time but there is no need to indundate oneselfs unneccesarily.Harsh environment-and this is just another reminder.Its not suprising if you were raised there unfortunately,its news now as Solly was who he was.
Ilokishi amasimba.
14 Nov 2011, 11:07 am
RIP Solly
14 Nov 2011, 11:22 am
Really sad. Not much more to say than all the best to his family.
14 Nov 2011, 11:23 am
@Transformation(Transformation)-63:
Agree.
The SA underworld uses the townships as their dens where cops don’t rule, but smart guys do!
Unfortunately, crime still pays.
14 Nov 2011, 11:47 am
Unbelievable news.
Mshini is right, he never played a bad game in the Bok jumper.
And I remember one of his best games – outplaying a world-class George Smith at his prime when playing for the Sharks vs Brumbies at Kings Park (can’t remember the year though).
RIP Solly, and condolences to his friends and family.
14 Nov 2011, 11:54 am
Condolences to the family. Sad to loose any person in this manner.
14 Nov 2011, 11:57 am
@Beast(Beast)-71:
I hope you are not the real deal Beast…. If so I had better run as I am your worst critic..
14 Nov 2011, 12:04 pm
There are several tragedies here with the shocking death of Solly.
1stly – he never reached his full potential; he would have matured over the years like most players do
2ndly – questionable decisions; if one reads that he was arrested for the illegal possesion of a firearm you get the sense that they came specifically for him, executed him and left
3rdly – And I guess this is the toughest one; one only has one life -it would have been beautiful to see him making a come-back at some stage
RIP Solly Tyibilika.
14 Nov 2011, 12:05 pm
@Bod(bod)-72: Sorry Bob, we just share the same nickname. I’m pretty critical of him also as a former frontranker, but spent most of my time at no.2
14 Nov 2011, 12:36 pm
Willevz
It was in 2005 vs Brumbies in KingsPark,he was dropped for much of that campaign playin off the bench.Putt got fired before Brumbies game then Muir put Solly back in starting XV-he had an absolute blinder that day.Pienaar also was brilliant-scored 2 tries.Tyibilika was MOM that game.
I remember Tyibilika’s first Test had tears running down his eyes during the anthem & scored try on debut-the delight on his face was palpable
Loved the game.Proud Springbok.
His best game was in 2005 vs Australia at Loftus I think.In the 1st half he was immense,covered every blade of that pitch.was weirdly taken off by Jake White which made NO sense whatsoever.he was everywhere.
14 Nov 2011, 13:17 pm
what the heck is a cockroach taxi?
14 Nov 2011, 13:52 pm
@wallabie.(wallabie.)-76:
It’s a form of transport used to send Australians home in.
14 Nov 2011, 13:58 pm
@David(David)-77:
have you exposed the hypocrites who slated solly’s performances in a bok jersey yet?
14 Nov 2011, 14:02 pm
I see the Bulls have signed Dan Adongo from the Sharks. Looking for a thread to chat about it, but none yet so far.
Anyway, back to the main topic.
14 Nov 2011, 14:05 pm
@Gunther(gunther)-78:
Put your money on Hondo for one. Remember this was 5 years ago, so I can’t remember names, only the general derision from some quarters. The comments about his problems at the Lions were in a similar vein. Essentially, he was fed up and disillusioned with his team mates who called him a quota Springbok, amongst other things.
14 Nov 2011, 14:10 pm
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-79:
What happened to your academy?
14 Nov 2011, 14:11 pm
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-79: Don’t know him. Is he any good?
14 Nov 2011, 14:12 pm
Hectic – really sound s like a professional hit , this story is not cut and dry …. Very sad though
14 Nov 2011, 14:25 pm
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-82:
Never heard of him before, but he must be good. Heyneke signed him!
On a more serious note, he’s a 21 year old Kenyan lock/loose forward/wing. 197cm, 112kg, apparently got some pace as well.
So a nice versatile utility player.
And if he is a grafter, he can replace Fudge and be most useful indeed. Especially given our need for another lock as backup to Flip and Juandre.
I will keep an eye on him with some interest.
14 Nov 2011, 14:27 pm
@David(David)-81: I think they’re on extended summer break.
14 Nov 2011, 14:35 pm
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-84: The massive Adongo, standing 1.97m in his socks and weighing 112kg at latest count, runs the 100m in under 11 seconds and was a winger in his age group days, before transitioning to a utility forward role with the Sharks Vodacom Cup team.
14 Nov 2011, 14:37 pm
@>^..^< katman(katman)-85:
Yeah, the graduation rate is virtually nil as well, by the looks of things. I hope they’re not charging the poor parents for the privilege.
14 Nov 2011, 14:56 pm
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-84:
@Transformation(Transformation)-86:
well i just hope he doesn’t turn into a bulls version of kankowski.
these new age lanky athletic types that get feted as the next best of the breed and the way rugby should be played by the right type of player…the kind of player who ticks all the right ‘athletosexual’…or…’athlosexual’..(just coined it..and i like it) boxes…lord knows we’ve seen that script before…
14 Nov 2011, 14:57 pm
Tacitus
Adongo is a exceptional athlete,like Transie said he was a winger for much of his age group days.Bigger fella,not an ounce of fat on that 112 kg frame.avg accelerattion but very good top end speed much like Spies.
Still learning the intricacies of fwd play though.He is a project type player.He still needs a lot of work but the physical tangibles are there…aplenty.
Don’t expect anything from him from next 12-18months though at superrugby though.But with right coaching,mentoring-he will be a valuable asset to Bulls.At the moment he is still very much a canvas,now real work begins.Naturally gifted athlete tho as said earlier.
14 Nov 2011, 15:07 pm
Was he involved in drugs or other criminality? A hit by rival crims perhaps? Or will I be accused of debasing his memory by daring to raise this?
14 Nov 2011, 15:15 pm
RIP Solly.. I believed in you bra. Your story is huge in the context of the moral corruption of Springbok Rugby and SA society in general. I saw how the despicable coaches of SA rugby did everything to destroy you. Shame on the Lions.. shame on the sharks.. shame on loffie. With regards to loffie, I hope the fk rots in his own hell.
Solly, a springbok that never ever disappointed and who dared to say that he would unseat Schalk Burger, the Nazi, from his position as owner of the no6 jersey. He was a great Springbok who was unable to make it in Super Rugby. You have to be completely dumb not to see the irony of this and the racism in SA rugby.
Solly was assasinated by all accounts.. lets hope that is was a hit ordered outside of SA rugby
Aluta Continua
14 Nov 2011, 15:18 pm
@rugbymatch(rugbymatch)-90: Feel free to speculate.. many springbok legends seem to have dealings in the drug underworld.. P3, Joost….?? and then there is the steroid gang
It was important to note that Solly was also outspoken about his treatment in SA rugby
14 Nov 2011, 15:23 pm
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-84: @Transformation(Transformation)-86: I now know who you are referring to. There was some hype around him at one stage a year or so ago,
Pierre Spies version 2?
Hope they keep him on the wing. A guy like that running with the ball in hand is a sight to behold.
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-84:
14 Nov 2011, 15:24 pm
@youknowwho(youknowwho)-91:
hoesit p***?
you back on your wagon again I see?
14 Nov 2011, 15:28 pm
@Helen(Helen)-94: Fkoff.. a man was killed and you wish to indulge frivolity??
14 Nov 2011, 15:28 pm
Sorry Solly.
Life brought short. A rugby player moved on.
Lets hope he’s enjoying the eternal Rugby match in the sky. The game played in heaven.
14 Nov 2011, 15:35 pm
@youknowwho(youknowwho)-92:
Dude, you have a very immature approach to life. Let me set you straight.
The measure of maturity is not wisdom, it is not even good judgement or moral certainty. It is the ability to hold 2 opposing view in tension without falling for the temptation to throw your total weight behind or the other view.
Therefore, be a grown up and realise that there is good in SA rugby as there is bad in SA rugby. The same goes for our opinions of people. Non-one can be ONLY good or ONLY bad. If we are mature we’ll hold these opposing views in tension within ourselves and do justice to both.
A child can only hold one view at a time, we are not children. I have the same issue with Poppa, ET and Grantie. Their views are childish.
You are trying to save the world, but I’d suggest that you grow up first and see the world as grey and not black/white as you do.
Use it, don’t use it
14 Nov 2011, 15:35 pm
@youknowwho(youknowwho)-95: What do you call your little indulgence then? Because it certainly wasn’t a respectful message of condolence.
14 Nov 2011, 15:37 pm
@youknowwho(youknowwho)-95:
Au contrare. you are the one who will take a life tragedy and apportion blame and insinuate a darker agenda (for which there is no evidence whatsoever). If anything, that doesn’t respect the life and tragic end for Solly.
Stick to the facts and out of respect for Solly, put your own agenda aside for a day
14 Nov 2011, 15:38 pm
My condolences to his family and loved ones, its so wrong to callously take another life, so sorry.
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