A man has been charged in relation to the murder of South Africa captain Senzo Meyiwa, who was shot dead on Sunday night.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that a suspect, named as Zenokuhle Mbatha, had been charged and remanded in custody as the investigation into the fatal shooting continues.
Meyiwa, 27, was shot dead at a house in Vosloorus township, near Johannesburg.
The SAPS said on Twitter earlier this week that two gunmen had entered the property, while an accomplice waited outside, before fleeing on foot. The SAPS also revealed that seven people were in the house at the time of the shooting and that they were all being regarded as witnesses.
#sapsHQ 3/5 The suspect in #SenzoMeyiwa case, Zenokuhle Mbatha, 25, appeared in court today, remanded in custody until 11 November 2014 SD
- SA Police Service (@SAPoliceService) October 31, 2014
The statement on Friday from Lieutenant General Solomon Makgale on the SAPS website read: "Yesterday, after receiving information about a number of suspects, we conducted an identity parade during which some of the witnesses positively identified one person.
"During consultation with the prosecution team, it was decided that this person should be arrested and charged on the basis of the positive identification by some of the witnesses.
"The matter was then placed on the court roll and heard this afternoon. The suspect, Zenokuhle Mbatha, a 25-year-old, has been remanded in custody and will reappear in court on November 11, 2014. We are continuing with our investigations.
"Whilst we are pleased with the progress we are making and the overwhelming support from members of the public, there is still a lot of work to be done to finalise the investigation and ensure that we can link all suspects to the murder. We must emphasise that Mr. Mbatha is regarded as a suspect at the moment and we therefore must allow due process of the law to take its course.
"Given the fact that our investigations are at a very sensitive stage, we will only be in a position to update the nation during a media briefing on Monday, November 3, 2014. There are still other suspects outstanding and we appeal to the public to continue providing information in support of the investigation.''
South Africa president Jacob Zuma led the tributes to Meyiwa on Monday, while many sport stars also paid their respects on social media upon hearing of the Orlando Pirates goalkeeper's tragic death.
''We mourn the death of this young footballer and team leader whose life has been taken away at the prime of his career,'' Zuma said in a statement.
''The law enforcement authorities must leave no stone unturned in finding his killers and bring them to justice. Words cannot express the nation's shock at this loss.
''We wish to extend, on behalf of government and all the people of South Africa, our words of condolence to his family and relatives, his friends and peers in the football game, his club Orlando Pirates and our national soccer team as well as the football fraternity as a whole. May his soul rest in peace.''
FIFA president Sepp Blatter expressed his "sorrow and anguish'' over the death of Meyiwa, who had captained Bafana Bafana on four occasions.
Thoughts with family, players & fans of @Orlando_Pirates & @BafanaBafana. A senseless, tragic loss. #RIPSenzoMeyiwa pic.twitter.com/fesRHthOP0
- Joseph S Blatter (@SeppBlatter) October 27, 2014
''On behalf of the international football community I would like to express my deepest sorrow and anguish at the senseless killing of South Africa and Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa last night,'' he said in an official statement on FIFA's website.
''My heart goes out to his friends and family for the terrible loss of his young life.
''Senzo will be sadly missed by his teammates and fans of both Orlando Pirates and the South African national team, which he recently captained with great success in their latest qualifying matches."
Former South Africa midfielder Steven Pienaar, who retired from international football in 2012, also paid tribute to Meyiwa earlier this week.
''Senzo was a very talented goalkeeper who was well-liked by teammates and opponents alike. Our nation has lost a popular sportsman and he will be missed,'' he said on Everton's website.
Saturday's league meeting between the Orlando Pirates and their Soweto rivals the Kaizer Chiefs has been postponed as a mark of respect.