RUGBY STAR STABBED TO DEATH

A PROMISING rugby player and father of two Simon Ndlovu was stabbed to death in the early hours on Monday morning in Vredendal. 

Ndlovu, lovingly known as Kudu, was reportedly attacked and stabbed in the chest by three men outside a kuierplek in Vredendal’s Voortrekker Road.

News of his death sent shockwaves throughout the West Coast town as well as the Boland club rugby fraternity, as mense flooded social media to send tributes to the gentle giant. 

Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg told the Daily Voice that three suspects have already been arrested in connection with the incident.

Twigg reported: “Vredendal police registered a murder case for investigation following a stabbing incident in the early hours of Monday morning, 20 October 2025, which claimed the life of a 29-year-old male in Voortrekker Road, Vredendal. 

“The victim sustained stab wounds to his chest and was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.

“We can confirm that three adult males were arrested in connection with the murder and will appear in court once they have been charged.”

Meanwhile, Ndlovu’s Boland Top-12 club Van Rhynsdorp Eagles were devastated after they were informed of the death of their star player and one of the big leaders in their team’s murder.

Eagles chairman Conwe Flink told the Daily Voice: “This is a massive and tragic blow for us as a club. We have lost a huge and impactful player.

“He has been part of our club for the past four years where he also captained the team on occasion.”   

According to Flink, watching the former Boland U21 star play in last weekend’s match against Botrivier, it was as if the giant lock was playing like it was his last game ever. 

Flink added: “On Saturday he had one of his greatest games ever in an Eagles jersey in his position as lock.

“Simon always played with his heart on his sleeve and his untimely passing will leave a huge hole at our club and within the Matsikama, Boland rugby family – we are in shock.

“His family are still coming to terms with the violent way that he lost his life and we condemn this heinous act and pray that justice will be served.”

According to Flink, Ndlovu was getting ready to celebrate his 29th birthday on 1 November with his family, but sadly that has now turned into a funeral.

One of Ndlovu’s former clubs, Safcol United, whom the towering lock helped win the Saldanha Super 8 Club Rugby tournament, also expressed their sadness after his tragic death.

A Saffies spokesperson told the Daily Voice: “[Simon was] baie confident en chirpie, het hom gepride in sy skrumwerk, waar hy spanne shoprite trollies gemaak het.”