Dance star Flatley shocked at Colleague's murder

Lord Of The Dance star Michael Flatley was today “shocked and saddened” after a member of his team was murdered in South Africa.

Darryl Kempster, 36, from Buckinghamshire, was shot dead in the early hours of yesterday morning during a robbery in Johannesburg.

He had been working as a freelance merchandising salesman on the show, which was on stage at the Nelson Mandela Civic Centre in the city.

He was shot three times on the steps of the Parktonian Hotel, next to the theatre, and his bag and laptop were stolen.

Two dancers from the show tried unsuccessfully to resuscitate him.

At a press conference in Johannesburg, Flatley said the cast and crew were deeply traumatised by the incident, which happened following a performance.

He added: “While this is a horrible tragedy it could have happened in any city in the world. I shall be back many times, please God, I hope under better circumstances.”

Flatley had flown to South Africa last night to be with the cast and crew.

All 49 members of the team are being flown home as soon as possible.

It is hoped dancers from four other troupes will then fly out to continue with the remaining 28 dates of the six-week tour.

Mr Kempster had been employed by Shelton International, a UK-based merchandising company, since January.

He had worked on the Lord Of The Dance tour in the US before going to South Africa earlier this month.

Steve Lovering, director of the company, said: “Darryl was well-loved by all who worked with him and his wit and intelligence impressed all who met him.

“He was also excellent at his job where his cheerful demeanour and exceptional administration skills made him an outstanding asset.

“He was very enthusiastic about visiting South Africa and was eagerly looking forward to seeing its natural beauty and wildlife.

“Darryl will be sadly missed by all his work colleagues who are deeply shocked by his tragic death.”

Inspector Roy Khumalo, who is leading the police investigation in Johannesburg, said the shooting happened in the early hours of Sunday morning.

“Before he could get into the entrance of the hotel, he was shot dead,” he said.

“He had been followed by two African suspects who we believe he had not seen.

“One of them shot him three times and took his bag and laptop. They then ran away from the scene.“

Mr Khumalo said his team was analysing video footage from the hotel which may provide clues. The tape was not clear but was being cleaned up in the hope the suspects would be more visible.

He said Mr Kempster was already dead when police arrived, adding: “He was taken by the government mortuary to the hospital.

“The hotel doorman witnessed the shooting and is being questioned tomorrow. There was nobody else working around outside.

“We are hoping to make good progress with the tape and we are gathering more information.

“A post mortem examination was being carried out today so the body can be released,” Mr Khumalo said.

Lisa McMunn, from Chris Roche Publicity in Dublin, which manages publicity for Flatley, said Mr Kempster was from Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire.

The incident happened at about 12.15am local time at the hotel where the cast and crew were staying, she said.

“The dancers had gone ahead of him when it happened. They were in the lobby.

“He was shot twice in the leg and once in the chest. Two of the dancers went outside to try and resuscitate him but it was too late.”