Tragic shooting disrupts Eastern Province Club Rugby match in Kariega

Spectators attending an Eastern Province Club Rugby Grand Challenge game between Gardens and Progress in Kariega at the weekend have recalled hearing the fatal shots that rang out when a 48-year-old man was shot behind one of the pavilions.

The shocking incident took place at the Derrick Ferreira Stadium.

Eyewitnesses at the scene who knew the victim, nicknamed Fudge, told the Cape Argus sister publication, the Daily Voice, he was employed at automotive component manufacturer, Dana, in Kariega. 

Supporters of the clubs who attended the game said the incident took place in the final minutes of the game after a referee called off the game after fans stormed the field.

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 the ref out of the way and he could not see whether a try had or had not been scored, before he got up and decided to end the game.

The witness said: “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."

SAPS spokesperson, Andre Breetge, confirmed the incident took place during the game.

A murder case was reported at the Kamesh Police Station and no arrests have been made.

Eastern Province Rugby Union president George Malgas expressed his sadness over the incident, but added that the killing had nothing to do with the game.

“I was at the game, but had left just before halftime to attend to another pressing engagement. 

“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 executives of Progress and Gardens today, 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.

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