Jayden Adams: South Africa sports minister condemns ‘irresponsible’ reporting on Bafana star’s death

South Africa’s sports minister has accused a major news outlet of “irresponsible reporting” over the death of Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams, as police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the 25-year-old’s passing.

Gayton McKenzie, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, publicly rebuked News24 on social media platform X, after the outlet published details about Adams’s final hours based on an earlier report by Afrikaans newspaper Rapport.

Minister blasts ‘tabloid’ coverage

In a strongly worded post, McKenzie criticised the decision to publish sensitive personal information about Adams’s private life and his relationship.

“This is irresponsible reporting. Do you want the young lady now to take her own life? Do you want her child to blame her for the passing of his dad? You are truly a tabloid; this country needs serious newspapers for sure. Let’s allow the police to do their job,” McKenzie wrote.

His intervention comes amid growing concern over the handling of high-profile deaths in the media, and the potential impact on grieving families and individuals mentioned in such reports.

News24’s article, which drew on quotations and claims attributed to a family member in Rapport, outlined alleged events leading up to Adams’s death on 11 July.

Claims over final hours and family tensions

According to the reports, Adams allegedly argued with his girlfriend on 11 July after bank notifications reflecting money he had spent appeared on her phone. The couple were said to have reconciled later.

News24 further reported that Adams later met friends, who allegedly noticed a marked change in his demeanour and described him as emotionally distressed.

The outlet also said Adams spoke to his father, Juanito, at about 08:00 on the same morning, during which he allegedly said he “can’t take it anymore”.

Relatives were also cited as claiming the midfielder had been deeply affected by the recent death of his grandmother and the loss of close friend and former teammate Oshwin Andries.

The report additionally alleged there had been ongoing friction between Adams and his girlfriend because he would sometimes give money to his parents, despite them not asking him for financial support.

Police yet to confirm allegations

None of these claims have been confirmed by the South African Police Service. Officers have opened an inquest docket and are investigating the circumstances of Adams’s death.

The cause of his death has not been officially established, and authorities have not commented on the personal allegations reported by the media.

Adams’s body was discovered on 11 July at a house in Schotschekloof, in central Cape Town.

Rising star of South African football

Adams, a promising midfielder for Mamelodi Sundowns, had represented South Africa at the Fifa World Cup, marking him out as one of the country’s most exciting football talents.

His death has shocked the football community and supporters of both Bafana Bafana and Sundowns, who had seen him emerge as a key figure for club and country.

Funeral plans and ongoing probe

Adams’s family has confirmed that he will be laid to rest on Saturday, 25 July, in Stellenbosch. Further details about the funeral service will be announced at a later stage.

The investigation into his death remains ongoing, with McKenzie urging the public and media to allow the police to complete their work without added pressure or speculation.