The fan crush at Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium killed two people and left several others injured ©Getty Images

South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) has announced the appointment of advocate Vincent Maleka SC to conduct the investigation into a fan crush at Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium that killed two people and left several others injured.

The 87,000-seater stadium, the largest in South Africa and the venue of the 2010 FIFA World Cup final, was hosting the Carling Black Label Cup match - the traditional season opener - between Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday (July 29). 

Sowetan LIVE reports that the crush happened after ticket-less supporters of both clubs attempted to force their way into the venue at one of the gates.

It has been claimed that the distribution of fake tickets also played a role in the tragedy, but this has not been proven.

"The League‚ affected clubs‚ service providers‚ sponsors‚ supporters‚ the South African Police Service and all other role players will provide all possible assistance to enable Advocate Maleka SC in performing his task‚" the PSL said in a statement released today.

"The League will ensure that the matter is dealt with expeditiously and properly.

"The League wishes to offer its condolences to the families of the bereaved and a speedy recovery to the injured.

"The League will not make any further comments on the matter until the investigation has been completed."

The 87,000-seater stadium, the largest in South Africa, was hosting the derby between Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs ©Getty Images
The 87,000-seater stadium, the largest in South Africa, was hosting the derby between Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs ©Getty Images

The South African Football Association (SAFA) had promised a full report and investigation into the crush.

"We offer our sincere condolences to the family members of those who lost their lives," SAFA President Danny Jordaan said.

"I would also like to wish the injured speedy recovery.

"A football match is supposed to be a place of entertainment.

"What happened to at FNB Stadium is very unfortunate."

Kaizer Chiefs won the match 1-0.

It was only last month that eight people died after a wall collapsed at a football stadium in Senegal’s capital Dakar.

The wall fell in the aftermath of the League Cup final between Stade de Mbour and Union Sportive Ouakam at the Demba Diop stadium.

It came after violence broke out between rival fans at the final whistle of a match which saw Mbour score in the first period of extra-time to secure a 2-1 win.

Police responded by using tear gas before an ensuing stampede led the wall to collapse as fans tried to escape the stadium.

Between 60 to 90 people were injured, according to conflicting news reports.

Mbour’s winning goal prompted angry Ouakam fans to throw projectiles, including stones, at opposition supporters who left their seats en masse.