The South African football fraternity is mourning the loss of former Bafana Bafana midfielder Lebogang Morula, who was tragically shot dead in Mmakau, North West, on Wednesday evening. Morula, 57, was a talented player who left an indelible mark on the South African football landscape.
The circumstances surrounding his death are quite tragic. Morula was shot and killed at the gate of his family home in Moumong, Mmakau, while on his way to the shops. His mother, Elizabeth Morula (81), recounted the horrifying scene to Daily Sun.
"I was with my son, and he realised that our electricity was finished as the heater was on. He told me he would quickly go buy electricity and come back," she said.
The mother of two said that the incident happened while he was getting into his white Toyota Hilux. After he was shot, neighbours tried to chase the thugs, but they shot in the air before speeding off in an unknown red car.
"I suspect the thugs were waiting for him at the gate. My son was shot five times in the chest and thigh," she said.
"My son told me that the electricity is too low and wants to purchase it. When he was at the gate, about to leave, I heard gunshots. My son was shot and killed by thugs. We're still traumatised and don’t know why they wanted him dead," she said.
The family is still reeling from the shock and grief of losing Lebogang, a son, brother, and father. Elizabeth expressed the family's need for space to come to terms with this devastating loss.
Lebogang's nephew, Karabo Huma (40), said that his security company was looking after a local project in the area.
"We are shocked about his untimely death," he said.
Cousin Zelda Madumo (71) said: "We want to see the killers found. Lebogang was a good person. I'm in great pain and can't even sleep."
Elizabeth said that her son was running a security company, and they were guarding a local project.
"I was very close to my son. He died while still busy building me a big house," she said.
She said that her son died before even arriving at a local hospital, adding that Lebogang was very happy before his death.
The family believes that Lebogang was allegedly killed because of his involvement in a local project. Elizabeth said that the family is still shocked about the incident.
The news of his death sent shockwaves through the football community, with tributes pouring in from former teammates, coaches, and fans alike. Morula, a product of the renowned Jomo Cosmos academy, was a skillful and creative midfielder who enjoyed a successful career both domestically and internationally.
His journey began at Cosmos, where he honed his skills under the watchful eye of the legendary Jomo Sono. In 1995, Morula's talent earned him a move to Colombia, where he played for Once Caldas.
His international career reached its pinnacle when he was selected to represent South Africa at the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France. Though his national team career was relatively short, Morula's presence on the world stage cemented his place as a legend in South African football.
However, Morula's life took a tragic turn after his playing days were over. In 2015, he was arrested for armed robbery and car theft, a stark contrast to the beloved footballer he once was. He was allegedly found in possession of a signal jamming device along with Mamelodi mechanic Billy Malope and Johannesburg taxi driver Thabani Thwala. The trio were reported to have attempted to rob the Standard Bank branch of Ogies of R3.4 million.
Morula's life was further marred by another arrest for robbery in Klipgat in 2014, although the case was later withdrawn.
North West police spokeswoman Colonel Adele Myburgh said: "Mothutlong police are investigating a murder case after the victim, Lebogang Morula was allegedly shot and killed on Wednesday, 7 August 2024, around 7.30pm. He was at his house at the time of the shooting."
She said when police arrived at the scene, Lebogang was taken to hospital where, on arrival, he was declared dead by emergency and medical rescue services.
"Anyone with information that can assist us should call investigating officer Constable Tsholofelo Mohale on 082 373 9606, or send anonymous information to CrimeStop on 08600 10111," she said.
