Interviews with club chairman Ian Naidoo, South African Police Service captain Augastine Asilepe and one of the deceased’s mother, Nalina Nkosi, after two coaches were found dead at Laudium Cricket Club in Pretoria on Thursday.
The deceased are Given Nkosi and Charlson Maseko, while colleagues Kagiso Masubelele and Obed Harvey Agbomadzie are recovering from severe injuries. Nkosi was 24 years old – and Maseko 26.
“A murder scene was discovered by a community member at the main cricket stadium. The person who made the discovery usually plays cricket with the victims in the mornings,” read a statement from the South African Police Service.
“The bodies of two men were found in the men’s bathroom and two other victims were found alive, but severely assaulted in one of the rooms.
“Security guards were informed. They contacted the police at 7am on Thursday morning. The four victims stay at the venue, sharing two rooms. The motive of the murder and assault, at this point, is unknown.”
Laudium Cricket Club compete in the Northerns Cricket Union premier league – and finished 10th in 2016-17’s 12-team standings, after six wins in 16 matches.
Northerns Cricket Union chief executive Jacques Faul added: “This is devastating news for the Northerns cricket community. They have been a highly valued and integral part of our talent pipeline development programme, particularly in the Laudium community.
“On behalf of the Northerns cricket family I extend our deepest sympathy, prayers and support to the family, friends and colleagues of all involved.”