Rugby Hero Richard Sidindi did not die from drowning , the family has said.
Trashing reports that he died from drowning, the family believes there was something fishy in the matter.
“Very unfortunate to lose Sidindi in very unfortunate circumstances. It is a big shock not only to Impala but the entire rugby fraternity in the country,” the club said in a statement.
But Sidindi’s guardian Rev. Jonathan Yahuma told the Star his death narrative is suspicious.
Yahuma said Sidindi was a well-trained swimmer, having started swimming 10 years ago.
“Were there no lifesavers around? His colleagues were around after they had come from practice, why didn’t they save his life?” he asked.
Yahuma, the late’s uncle, said his body was removed from the scene and stored in a morgue in the absence of the family.
The uncle further questioned why the club hurriedly conducted a postmortem without informing the family or Sidindi’s wife, Catherine.
“This makes us suspect a foul play,” Yahuma said.
Yahuma said autopsy results showed Sidindi had no physical injuries.
“He did not die in the water. I’m informed the doctor took parts of the body for further tests,” he said.
Yahuma said Sidindi’s family are set to meet later to decide the next cause of action.
He said the family’s lawyer is piecing up details.