Former Springbok flank Solomzi “Solly” Tyibilika was gunned down in a hail of bullets in Nyanga, Western Cape in the early hours of Sunday, November 13, 2011. He was 32.

The dread-locked Tyibilika made a name for himself as a fearless, hard-tackling flank, and represented South Africa in eight Tests between 2004 and 2006.

While playing for the Sharks in 2004, he made his Test debut for the Springboks against Scotland on the year-end tour, and celebrated his debut with a try. A week later he was in Beunos Aires and played in a Test against Argentina.

In 2005 he was a member of the Springbok team that whipped Uruguay 134-3 here. On that occasion he scored two tries.

In 2007 he joined the Border Bulldogs but was often in trouble with the coach for failing to turn up for practice sessions and he was suspended on more than one occasion. He also captained the Bulldogs in some matches in 2009.

He moved to Cape Town and was the Hamiltons Under 19 coach at the time of his death.

Tyibilika was born in Port Elizabeth on June 23, 1979 and was educated at Loyiso High School.

- Peter Martin