Another sportsperson passes on in South Africa

Just two days after burying Senzo Meyiwa, South Africa is mourning yet another sports personality following the death of Former South Africa and Western Province centre Tinus Linee. Linee died on Monday morning after losing his battle with motor neuron disease (MND).

His death brings the number of South African sports personalities who have passed on in the last two weeks to four following the deaths of runner Mbulaeni Mulaudzi (October 24), footballer Senzo Meyiwa (October 26) and female boxer Phindile Mwelase (October 28).

Linee, 45, played 112 matches for Western Province between 1992 and 2001 and made his Springbok debut in 1993 at the age of 23, going on to feature in nine tour matches in Australia, Wales, Scotland and Ireland without ever playing a test.

Former Bok scrumhalf Joost van der Westhuizen, now confined to a wheelchair because of incurable MND, tweeted his condolences.

"Sad day for rugby in SA. Just received news of the passing of a rugby legend and MND Warrior Tinus Linee. RIP my friend," he said.

The Western Province Rugby Union also confirmed that Linee, who was diagnosed with MND last year, had died in a statement on Monday.

He is survived by his wife Diana, her two sons and a daughter from his first marriage.

- supersport.com