Tyrone Philander, the younger brother of South African seamer, Vernon Philander, was shot dead on Wednesday afternoon in the family's home town of Ravensmead in Cape Town. Vernon confirmed the news in a statement released on Twitter.

"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," Vernon wrote.

"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."

According to local reports, Tyrone was delivering water to a neighbour when he was shot. Police are investigating the incident. Vernon has two older brothers, Brandon and Darryl.