By Staff Reporter
news@alexreporter.co.za
Former Bafana Bafana and Moroka Swallows star Maimane Phiri has been shot and badly wounded at his pub in Alexandra in 4th Avenue on Thursday evening.
According to sources who witnessed the shooting, it is alleged that the incident happened in full view of patrons and staff at the pub.
“This was not a robbery but a quarrel ensued between the gunman and Maimane. Maimane is extending his business and wanted to make it bigger, but the gunman had issues with Maimane’s plans to extend the business.
“He had an altercation with Maimane and the other person, that is when he withdrew a gun and shot Maimane and the deceased. He later turned the gun on himself trying to take his own life,” said a source.
Another insider privy to the details said that they were all having fun at the pub when they heard gunshots from the gate of the joint.
“We all ran to different directions trying to hide. We heard another shot and when we go outside, we saw three people lying on the ground and one of them was Maimane.
Police spokesperson Captain Mavela Masondo confirmed that Phiri was shot and taken to the hospital.
“We can confirm that Maimane Phiri and another person were shot at. The other person died on the scene while Phiri was taken to the hospital. He is seriously injured but stable. We can also confirm that the shooter also turned the gun on himself and later died in hospital. We are still investigating the cause of the shooting,” said Masondo.
Masondo said the suspect was allegedly chasing his girlfriend, who is the sister to Maimane. According to Masondo, Maimane and the other deceased tried to stop the gunman before he shot them.
Maimane also played in Turkey for Gençlerbirliği as well as Vanspor and Samsunspor. He started his career at Alexandra United and also played for Jomo Cosmos, Ajax Cape Town and Supersport United.
He played for the South Africa national soccer team and was in part of the squad that travelled to France for the 1998 FIFA World Cup.
This story was first published by Sunday World.
Editional report by Jonk wa Mashamba.
Pics: Supplied
