Rugby: South African U-21 player shot in hijacking

A South African under-21 rugby player, who had just returned from a tour in Australia, was shot and seriously wounded during an attempted hijacking in Pretoria last night.

Gary Botha was attacked while travelling with his girlfriend in the suburb of Lukasrand at about 12.10 am (10.10 pm NZT).

His father, Vink Botha, said the gunmen fired four shots at his son, hitting him in the back.

Gary was rushed to Jacaranda Hospital and is in stable condition. ICU sister-in-charge Priscilla Botha declined to comment on his condition.

Inspector Percy Morokane said the incident was being investigated.

Gary played for the South African Schools side and also for the South African under-19 rugby side.

He was recently selected to tour Australia with the Springbok under-21 side.

He also plays for Pretoria University and the under-21 side of the Blue Bulls.

- INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPERS (SOUTH AFRICA)