Mario Ngqiuyomizi Saliwa (6 March 1984 – 31 May 2015) was a South African cricketer who competed at the first-class level. Born in King William's Town in the Eastern Cape, he appeared for provincial and franchise sides during the 2000s and early 2010s. As a participant in domestic competitions, Saliwa was part of the pool of players who sustain the multi-tiered structure of South African cricket.

Career and teams

Saliwa's professional appearances came for teams such as the Free State provincial side and the Eagles franchise. These teams play in South Africa's domestic competitions, which include multi-day first-class matches, one-day fixtures and shorter formats. Players like Saliwa contribute to their sides across formats, gaining experience in regional tournaments and helping to develop cricket at a provincial level.

First-class cricket, the format in which Saliwa is recorded, refers to the longer form of the domestic game—typically matches of three or more days with two innings per side—and is a primary pathway for players aiming to reach higher honours. Provincial and franchise teams also serve local communities and feed talent into national selection processes.

Death and reaction

Mario Saliwa died on 31 May 2015 after being stabbed; he was 31 years old. His death was reported widely in sports media and prompted condolences from teammates, administrators and supporters. The incident drew attention not only because of his role as a domestic cricketer but also because it highlighted concerns about violent crime affecting South African athletes and citizens more broadly.

While Saliwa did not achieve prolonged international fame, his career is a reminder of the many professional sportspeople who operate mainly within domestic circuits and whose contributions sustain competitive standards and local interest in the game. For further contemporaneous coverage and career summaries see cricket-focused sources and archives here.

  • Born: 6 March 1984, King William's Town (Eastern Cape)
  • Teams: Free State, Eagles (domestic South African sides)
  • Died: 31 May 2015 (stabbed)