Former Eastern Province and Mpumalanga batsman Adriano dos Santos was reportedly murdered last week.
Dos Santos was capped three times at first-class level by Mpumalanga from 2006 to 2007. He struck a century on first-class debut against a Northerns bowling attack featuring fast bowler Neil Wagner and spinner Aaron Phangiso, who have since played international cricket for New Zealand and South Africa, respectively.
In 2008, dos Santos moved to Eastern Province and collected three more first-class caps.
“It is with sadness that we have received the news of the passing of Adriano dos Santos. ‘Dossa’ represented us at all levels. He made his first-class debut at the age of 18,” read a statement from the Mpumalanga Cricket Union.
“Our sympathy goes to his family, friends, Hoërskool Nelspruit, Nelspruit Cricket Club and the entire cricket community. Your kindness, smile and extraordinary talent will always be remembered.”
The 35-year-old dos Santos was shot three times near Hazyview in Mpumalanga on Friday, according to the South African Police Service. He was with a driver in a white Toyota Fortuner at the time.
“According to information, the businessman from Hoedspruit in Limpopo province was travelling in a white Toyota Fortuner together with another person and they were coming from Hoedspruit. Details also indicate that the businessman was supposed to meet with someone in Nelspruit,” read a statement from SAPS spokesperson Selvy Mohlala.
“It is further indicated that, along the way as they were passing Hazyview, the man who was driving at the time, reportedly received a call then stopped next to a fuel station nearby. Thereafter, it is said that he drove few metres away from the filling station then stopped again on the roadside
“It was during this time when a white Nissan NP 200 bakkie with two occupants emerged. The said bakkie was without number plates. One occupant from the bakkie is said to have disembarked and went straight to the businessman then allegedly shot him three times.
“Thereafter, the suspects fled the scene, leaving behind the victim bleeding profusely. There are no reports of injuries from the other person who was with the businessman at the time of the shooting incident.
“The police as well as the paramedics were notified about the incident but unfortunately the victim was certified dead at the scene. Police recovered some cartridges at the scene. A murder case was opened though no one has been arrested so far and the motive for the killing is unknown at this stage.
“Police urge anyone with information that may assist in apprehending the perpetrators to call the Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or send information via MYSAPS app. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
“Meanwhile, a team of experts in the field of investigation has already been assembled under the leadership of the provincial commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, lieutenant general Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, who vowed that suspects of this heinous crime will be hunted down and be brought to book.”