In a statement, the South African Police Service said two men had entered the house around 8pm (6pm GMT), while an accomplice remained outside.

All three assailants fled on foot after shots were fired, following an altercation. 

A reward of nearly ZAR153,000 (£8,700/$14,000/€11,000) has been offered for information leading to the suspects' arrest.

Meyiwa began playing for Orlando Pirates, based in the Parktown district of Johannesburg, in 2005 and played in their 4-1 win over Ajax Cape Town on Saturday (October 25).

"This is a sad loss whichever way you look at it, to Senzo's family, his extended family, Orlando Pirates and to the nation.'' said Pirates' chairman Irvin Khoza.

The 27-year-old captained his country in its four qualifiers for the African Cup of Nations this year, including its last game, a 0-0 draw with Democratic Republic of Congo on October 15.

"Beyond devastated at the loss of our captain & friend Senzo Meyiwa. thoughts & prayers are with his family & friends at this terrible time," tweeted international team mate Dean Furman.

Darren Keet, a fellow goalkeeper who plays for the national side, added: "Deeply saddening to hear this news about our captain and friend.

"He will be missed, but never forgotten."

Senzo Meyiwa played in a friendly between Orlando Pirates and Manchester United in 2008 and went up against Wayne Rooney ©Getty Images









FIFA President Sepp Blatter sent a personal letter to Dr Danny Jordaan, President of the South African Football Association, offering his condolences. 

"On behalf of the international football community I would like to express my deepest sorrow and anguish at the senseless killing of South Africa and Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa last night," he said in the letter. 

"My heart goes out to his friends and family for the terrible loss of his young life.

"Senzo will be sadly missed by his team mates and fans of both Orlando Pirates and the South African national team, which he recently captained with great success in their latest qualifying matches.

"Please express my most heartfelt sympathy to all of Senzo's loved ones and let them know that our thoughts are with them at this difficult time."

Blatter also tweeted: "Thoughts with family, players and fans of Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana.

"A senseless, tragic loss. #RIPSenzoMeyiwa"

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]