The 41-year-old former Kaizer Chiefs, Maritzburg United and Black Leopards midfielder, Lucky Maselesele, was allegedly beaten to death by community members after being accused of stealing electricity cables.
Two suspects have now been arrested in relation to the crime.
Police spokesperson, Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo, who confirmed the incident on Saturday, October 16, said police received a complaint of community members assaulting an unknown man on Wednesday night.
“When the police approached, the group ran away, and the police managed to apprehend two suspects,” Masondo said.
“It is alleged that the deceased was accused by the community of stealing electrical cables in the area. He was certified dead on the scene by the paramedics.”
The deceased had since been identified as Maselesele.
Masondo said both suspects were charged with murder, and one had since appeared in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court.
The matter was postponed for a formal bail application.
Maselesele who played for Kaizer Chiefs between 1998 and 2004 having come through its youth ranks, was known for his dribbling skills and high work rate. He was capped once at the international level.
Meanwhile, his former clubKaizer Chiefs has conveyed condolences to his family in a statement issued on Sunday, October 17.