The tragic death of SA football star Senzo Meyiwa has been a shock for the country, emphasising the brutal crimes taking place across South Africa.

Many have been remembering Senzo for the lovable and talented man that he was, but in a new column on the City Press, the star goalkeeper is portrayed in a very different light.

“He was not the saint he’s been portrayed as,” writes Athandiwe Saba.

He destroyed a woman’s life and hurt his children deeply. He cheated on his wife repeatedly until he could no longer hide his feelings for his lover. He shamed her in front of the nation. He was not a man who took care of his home and ensured that no harm would come to the woman he claimed to love when he asked for her hand in marriage. He brought shame upon his lover and curses upon her, too.

There was nothing hero-like or giant-like or amazing when he tarnished these women’s lives. Now people want to call his lover all sorts of names, tweeting during the week that she’d better not show her face at the funeral – or else.

You can read the full column on the City Press.