South African police offered a reward of 250,000 rand to find the killers of national football captain Senzo Meyiwa

South African police have launched a major manhunt to find the killers of national football captain Senzo Meyiwa, shot dead by suspected burglars.

President Jacob Zuma, pictured here with Meyiwa in 2013 

They have offered a reward of 250,000 rand (£14,000; $23,000) for information about the attack, which highlights the country's high rates of violent crime.

Meyiwa, was reportedly shot after men entered his girlfriend's house.

President Jacob Zuma led tributes to the goalkeeper, saying "words cannot express the nation's shock".

The 27-year-old was reportedly trying to protect his girlfriend, the musician Kelly Khumalo, from burglars in Vosloorus,

Orlando Pirate fans are distraught and shocked by the killing of their goalkeeper

Affectionately known as Okpara Jnr - named after Nigerian goalkeeper William Okpara who played for his Orlando Pirates team from 1989 to 2005 - he has been described as humble, dedicated and hard working.

singer and actress Kelly Khumalo, his girlfriend

Messages of love poured in from the wider sports community.

Fifa president Sepp Blatter tweeted: "Thoughts with family, players and fans of Orlando Pirates and South Africa. A senseless, tragic loss."

Corne Krige, South Africa's ex-rugby captain, also took to Twitter to express his shock: "As a nation we must start standing up against violent crime. Prayers go out to family."

Irvin Khoza, who owns the Orlando Pirates, one of Soweto's oldest teams, said: "This is a sad loss which ever way you look at it - to Senzo's family, his extended family, Orlando Pirates and to the nation."