Cricket Namibia has issued a statement expressing its shock and dismay at the murder of former Namibian cricketer Louis Vorster, who was shot dead outside Pretoria on Tuesday evening.
“The Executive Board and management of Cricket Namibia learnt with shock and dismay of the untimely death of one of Namibia's cricketing legends, Louis Vorster. Louis was gunned down by robbers whilst on a business visit to Gauteng,” read a release issued by Cricket Namibia president Francois Erasmus.
“Louis was a true gentleman of the game, one of the best exponents of left-handed batting and an inspiration to those who played the game with him. Louis played a pivotal role in the development and coaching of many young and upcoming cricketers in Namibia.”
“He touched the lives of all those around him because he was genuinely interested in the well-being of his team mates and protégés. Louis will be sorely missed. His talent and dedication is irreplaceable.”
“Our hearts and prayers go out to Rika, Henre and his family. May you rest in peace Louis Vorster,” the statement concluded.
The CEO of the African Cricket Association Cassim Suliman also paid his respects to Vorster in an email to Cricket Namibia.
“It is a great loss to a great man. I was introduced to him by Francois (Erasmus). He was a pleasant guy and a gentleman and if I am correct he was part of the Mean Machine of Transvaal Cricket.”
“On behalf of the Africa Cricket Association and the ICC Africa Regional Office, please pass on our condolences to his family. We wish them to stay strong in this most difficult time and may his soul rest in peace,” he said.
According to media reports in South Africa, Vorster had stopped at a Total fuel station to buy a few things at the shop.
CCTV footage showed how the attackers took up their positions while Vorster was still in the shop, waiting for him to return to his car. When he tried to drive off, a car pulled up behind him and blocked his way.
Three men then surrounded his car. The door on the driver’s side was opened and Vorster was shot three times. Another man went to the passenger’s side and took a package that was lying on the seat.
The men then quickly got into their Volkswagen Polo and drove off. Vorster was declared dead at the scene, police said.
A murder case has been opened. Someone who knew Vorster and who was on the scene, apparently told staff at the fuel station that he believed Vorster had a package with diamonds. Police could not confirm this.
Vorster's death had first surfaced on the social networking site, Twitter. Proteas' all-rounder Albie Morkel tweeted:
"Tonight I'm crying like a baby! Lost a great friend! Rip Louis Vorster. #anothercrimevictiminSA!!"
While former Proteas' spinner Pat Symcox tweeted:
"Louis Vorster ex-cricketer gunned down MURDEReD outside Pta!soooo sooo sad. What a nice guy".
Symcox told Eyewitness News that his feelings went out to Vorster's family.
“It’s another wasted talent. It’s going to devastate the sporting community. He was a very well-liked guy and very popular among the players today.”
Symcox said the country was suffering too many violent murders.
“The senseless murder of such a person whether it’s Louis Vorster, the cricketer, or anyone. It’s just unacceptable.” Vorster, who played for South Africa invitational, Namibia, Transvaal and Northern Transvaal was 45-years-old.
Vorster relocated to Namibia five years ago from South Africa and played cricket for Namibia, Wanderers and lately Windhoek Hoer Skool Old Boys Cricket Club.