Two suspects have been arrested for the murder of former Kaizer Chiefs and Maritzburg United soccer player Lucky Maselesele, who was allegedly beaten to death after being accused of stealing electrical cables.

On Wednesday evening, just before midnight, police received a complaint of community members assaulting an unknown man.

“When the police approached, the group ran away, and the police managed to apprehend two suspects,” police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo said.

“It is alleged that the deceased was accused by the community of stealing electrical cables in the area. He was certified dead on the scene by the paramedics.”

The deceased had since been identified as Maselesele.

Masondo said both suspects were charged with murder, and one had since appeared in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court.

The matter was postponed for a formal bail application.

“Police are still continuing with the investigation,” Masondo added.

Age, he was 41.

Maselesele was allegedly beaten to death after being accused of stealing electrical cables in Alexandra.

Two suspects have since been arrested and charged with his murder. 

Biography

Born in Alexandra township on 8 March 1980, Lucky Maselesele was a product of the School of Excellence before being spotted and joining Amakhosi in 1999.

Football career

He made his debut for Kaizer Chiefs in a 2-1 home win over African Wanderers, appearing as a substitute one day after Chiefs’ 30th anniversary on 8 January 2000. He was 19 years old at the time.

He featured in 12 games in his first season with Chiefs in the 1999/00 season. His first goal came on the final day of the season in a 2-1 loss to SuperSport United on 17 June 2000.

He won the BOB Save Super Bowl trophy with Chiefs in 1999/00 and featured in the Last 32 and Last 16 wins over Cape Town City and Hellenic.

Lucky Maselesele also took part in Kaizer Chiefs’ triumph of the 2001/02 BP Top 8 and Coca-Cola Cup campaigns.

His last appearance for the Glamour Boys was a league game away to Santos on the 20 January 2003, which was a 0-0 away draw.

After moving to Maritzburg United, the soccer player’s career spiralled downwards after being banned for testing positive for cocaine.

In total, he played 44 times for Kaizer Chiefs and contributed 11 goals between 1999 and 2003.

He also had loan spells at Manning Rangers during his time with Amakhosi.

After leaving Kaizer Chiefs, he went to play for several other teams in the PSL, including Thanda Royal Zulu, Black Leopards and Maritzburg United.

After moving to Maritzburg United his spiralled downwards after being banned for testing positive for cocaine.

In 2009 it was reported that he received a two-year ban from the SA Football Association’s disciplinary committee.

Stats at Kaizer Chiefs: 

1999/00: Apps – 12, Goals – 1

2000/01: Apps – 4

2001/02: Apps – 19, Goals – 2

2002/03: Apps – 9, Goals – 4

Total Apps – 44

Total Goals – 11

We convey our heartfelt condolences to the Maselesele family during this difficult period.

We would also like to thank them for the support they gave him by letting Lucky showcase his talent to Amakhosi and South African football in general.