Former South African Bowler's Younger Brother Shot Dead; Cricketer Issues Statement on Twitter! 

In a sad and shocking case, the younger brother of former South Africa fast bowler Vernon Philander has been reportedly shot dead. He was identified as Tyrone Philander. 

The incident happened metres away from his home on Wednesday afternoon in the family's home town of Ravensmead in Cape Town. 

Hours after the inicdent, Vernon Philander took to his official Twitter handle and confirmed the news saying; "Our family is coming to terms with the brutal murder in my hometown of Ravensmead earlier today. I would like to ask that the family's privacy be respected during this difficult time."

"The murder is now the subject of a police investigation and we respectfully ask that the media give the police the space to conduct a thorough investigation. There are no details around the incident at the moment and speculation will make it very difficult for us as a family to mourn in peace. Tyrone is forever in our hearts. May his soul rest in peace," he added.

As per local media reports, Tyrone (brother) had gone out of his house to deliver water to a neighbour when he was shot dead. Check out the former cricketer's post below: