EP Rugby bosses will hold an urgent meeting on Monday to discuss the tragic events that unfolded in Kariega on Saturday when a fan was shot dead after a crunch club match between Gardens and Progress was abandoned because of a crowd invasion.
It is expected that the meeting to thrash out the details of the drama that unfolded at the Derrick Ferreira Stadium, known as “Die Hok”, will be attended by EP president George Malgas, the union’s general manager, Mzi Mpofu, Progress president Kosie Basson and Johnny George, his counterpart at Gardens.
A report by referee Aphiwe Mfana on what transpired during the final five minutes of the abandoned derby clash is expected to be a focal point of the inquiry.
The match was called off after part of the capacity crowd in the small stadium stormed onto the field with five minutes remaining.
The invasion came after Gardens scored a late try to level a thrilling Score Energy Drink EPRU Grand Challenge Top 12 game at 13-13.
Progress are disputing whether the try was awarded and claim the score was 13-8 in their favour when the teams left the field.
When pandemonium broke out, referee Mfana left the field before the conversion could be taken.
The deadly shooting took place behind the pavilion a while after the game was called off when the assailant reportedly jumped a fence and opened fire on the fan, who was talking to other spectators.
No-one was arrested.
Police spokesperson Captain Andre Beetge said the incident took place at about 6.10pm at the sports venue in Seagull Drive, Rosedale.
“The SA Police Service can confirm that a 48-year-old male, Morne Matill, was shot in his neck and chest behind the pavilion ...
“The motive for the murder as well as the suspects involved is under investigation.
“A murder case was opened and is being investigated by SAPS Kamesh.”
Anyone with information that could assist police in their inquiries should contact detective Warrant Officer Hoffman on 071-475-1956 or Crime Stop on 08600-10111 to remain anonymous.
When contacted by The Herald, the slain man’s brother, Anthony Matill, said: “I really prefer that I do not speak about this situation, I’m sorry.”
Mpofu described the incident as very unfortunate.
“A beautiful day of rugby was spoiled with five minutes to go.
“I have already engaged the Gardens and Progress presidents about an urgent meeting at the EPRU offices.
“We have agreed that Monday is a suitable day to meet.
“Hopefully, by the time we meet, I will be in possession of the referee’s report.
“What the referee says in his report should provide guidance.
“If any club is unhappy with the match report, we will engage with them.”
Malgas said he wanted to see the referee’s report and speak to the presidents of both clubs.
“Whatever the referee tells me will be the actual position,” he said.
“Progress has a view that the late try was not awarded by the referee.
“After the game was called off there was a lot of people milling around socialising when a guy jumped the fence at the back of the stadium.
“This was some time after the game was over.
“He came to shoot the victim who was standing there and conversing with others.
“So, my view on the matter it seems on the preliminary reports it has nothing to do with rugby.
“It is more a matter of someone taking advantage and saying there is the guy I am looking for.”
Progress president Basson said it was unsafe for the Kariega derby to be played at the Derrick Ferreira Stadium.
“It was very bad and very ugly,” he said.
“Gardens fans threw beer over the referee and also over our fans.
“They also ran onto the field and assaulted our players.”
Gardens Rugby Club vice-president Royden Johnson said during the last five minutes of the game, a bottle was thrown at the referee.
“At that time, the score was 13 each and the situation was tense,” he said.
“We had a meeting where he [the referee] told us that he felt unsafe, and the game was called off.
“Moments later, in an isolated incident outside the field in the parking area, [it is believed] somebody jumped the fence and shot a spectator, who died at the scene.
“We could hear the shots from the field.”
Ahead of the clash, Gardens coach Julian Daniels said playing at home would give his team a big lift.
“The Hok is always The Hok with the crowd firmly behind us,” he said.
“Gardens is not like an ordinary club. This is a family club.”
This is not the first time that crowd safety has been an issue in the EPRU Grand Challenge Top 12 club rugby league in recent weeks.
On May 24, a showdown between Progress and Harlequins was called off at the last minute because of construction work being carried out at the Central Field in Kariega — Progress’s home venue.
A huge crowd had been expected to descend on the stadium, and EP rugby bosses decided to call the game off in the interests of safety.
The director of sport and recreation at the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality, Charmaine Williams, wrote a letter to Basson, dated May 9, informing him of the Central Field’s closure due to the rehabilitation of the facility.
The Herald
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