South African Footballer Sibusiso Vilakazi Escapes Armed Robbery Unharmed as Nation Still Mourns Senzo Meyiwa
Just a week after the tragic shooting of national team goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa, South African football narrowly avoided another potential tragedy. Midfielder Sibusiso Vilakazi was the target of a frightening armed robbery while sleeping at his parents’ home in Soweto last Saturday.
The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning when intruders broke into the family home, brandishing firearms and threatening Vilakazi’s relatives. Miraculously, the Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns star remained asleep throughout the ordeal and was unharmed.
“It all happened while I was asleep and I didn’t hear anything,” Vilakazi said. “Imagine what could have happened if I had woken up and gone to see what was going on.”
The robbers made off with several possessions, including mobile phones, a television set, and clothing belonging to Vilakazi’s parents. Though no one was injured, the incident has deepened concerns about the safety of public figures and the growing levels of violent crime in South Africa.
The attack on Vilakazi came just days after Senzo Meyiwa was fatally shot during a home invasion, sparking nationwide mourning and a renewed call for action against gun violence.
In response, the South African Football Association (SAFA) launched the Senzo Meyiwa Gun Campaign on Tuesday, an initiative encouraging citizens to hand over illegal firearms in a bid to reduce crime and honour the late goalkeeper’s legacy. The campaign aims to foster a culture of peace and safety, particularly for communities vulnerable to armed violence.
“The football community has suffered a terrible loss with Senzo’s death,” said a SAFA spokesperson. “We must do everything possible to ensure that such a tragedy does not happen again.”
Vilakazi’s close call has only intensified calls for greater protection for athletes and public figures, as well as for stronger measures to combat illegal firearms.
As South Africa continues to grapple with the loss of one of its footballing heroes, the hope is that swift action and community engagement will help prevent further tragedies.
