SOUTH AFRICA GOALKEEPER SHOT DEAD

South Africa and Orlando Pirates captain and goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa was shot dead late Sunday near Johannesburg, a police spokesman told AFP, with club officials describing his slaying as a "loss to the nation".

Lieutenant-General Solomon Makgale said Meyiwa, 27, was gunned down at a house in Vosloorus, a township about 30 kilometres south of the city, and declared dead on admission to hospital.

"We can confirm that Bucs (Pirates) goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa has been shot and sadly declared dead on arrival at hospital," the South African Police Service (SAPS) said on its Twitter feed. 

Police later said there were seven people inside the house, including Meyiwa, when two suspects entered and another remained outside.

"The incident happened at around 2000 SA time (1800 GMT) in Vosloorus," said police, who did not comment on some media reports that the shooting was sparked by a row over a mobile phone.

"There was an altercation and Senzo Meyiwa was shot. The three suspects fled on foot after the shooting. We can assure South Africans that we will do all we can to bring Meyiwa's killers to book.

"A reward of up to R150 000 ($14,000) is being offered for any information that can lead to arrests," said SAPS