South African rugby player facing murder charge

A South African rugby player has been arrested following the death of a policeman in Pretoria.

A case of murder has been opened against 28-year old Bees Roux (number 3 tackling Paul O’Connell above), who plays for Super 14 champions, the Bulls.

Details about the incident remain unclear, but reports suggest that the policeman was found beaten up in the Central Business District in the early hours of Friday morning.

Colonel Eugene Opperman of the South African Police Service told Press Association Sport: “Yes, he was arrested earlier this morning. A case of murder had also been opened.”

His attorney Ernst Serfontein added: “I believe there was an incident where a policeman died and I know he was involved in the incident.

“How he was involved I don’t know yet, I can’t tell you.”

Prop forward Roux joined the Bulls from the Cheetahs at the end of last season and was involved as a substitute in the Super 14 clash with Griquas last weekend. He also played on the Royal XV that took on the Lions during their tour of South Africa last year.

A statement on the Bulls’ official website read: “It has come to the Blue Bulls Company (Pty) Ltd’s attention that Bees Roux has allegedly been involved in an incident involving a metro policeman last night in Pretoria.

“We do not have any factual information at this stage, but have been informed that the policeman passed away. We would like to express our sincerest condolences to the relatives of the deceased.

“We are not in a position to make any further comments in this regard.”