Kariega – A 48-year-old man was fatally shot on Saturday at the Derrick Ferreira Stadium in Rosedale, Kariega (formerly Uitenhage), following an Eastern Province Club Rugby Grand Challenge game between Gardens and Progress. The incident occurred behind one of the pavilions at the stadium.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), a murder case has been opened at the Kamesh Police Station, but no arrests have been made as yet.
Eyewitnesses at the scene, who knew the victim and nicknamed him "Fudge," told the Daily Voice that he was employed at automotive component manufacturer Dana.
The tragic incident took place in the final minutes of the match, which was prematurely called off by the referee after fans stormed the field. At the time, Progress were leading 13-8, with Gardens mounting an attack near the tryline.
Supporters who attended the match say the incident took place in the final minutes of the game after a referee had called off the game after fans stormed the veld.
Progress were leading 13-8 at the time with Gardens on the attack, when one of the Progress players made a tackle on one of their players just short of the tryline.
Gardens supporters ran onto the field with Progress players holding the tackled player up.
The supporters ran onto the pitch, obstructing the referee, and he was unable to see whether a try had been scored, before he got up and decided to end the game.
One witness recounted the chaotic scene: “Both teams had formed respective huddles when we heard shots being fired at the back of one of the pavilions."
“I don’t know the victim personally but he is known as someone that loved his club rugby and to debate about sport, but I can’t say for certain if the events on the field led to his death,” the witness added.
SAPS spokesperson Andre Breetge confirmed that the incident took place during the game.
Eastern Province Rugby Union President George Malgas expressed his sadness over the incident, but maintained that the killing had nothing to do with the rugby match itself.
Malgas said: “I was at the game, but had left just before half time. During the time I was there, the vibe amongst the crowd of almost 10 000 spectators was great, with the game played in wonderful weather conditions."
“After I left, I received a call just after 6pm when the game had already ended more than an hour earlier and was ended prematurely by the referee due to supporters running onto the field. To my knowledge, the shooting incident had nothing to do with what happened at the game as well as after the game had ended, and most of the supporters had already left. However, it is tragic that such an incident had taken place at the field, but it was in no way connected to what transpired during the game.”
Malgas added that he will be meeting with the chairmen of Progress and Gardens on Monday, as well as officials in regards to what had transpired.
The EP Rugby boss adds that during his time at the field, there was a strong police presence present as part of the home team Gardens’ safety plan for the packed match turnout.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and police are appealing to anyone with information to come forward. While authorities believe the incident was not directly related to the rugby match, the timing and location have raised concerns about safety and security at sporting events. The death of "Fudge," a known rugby enthusiast, has left the Kariega community in mourning.
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