Reward offered for killers of South African footballer Senzo Meyiwa

Authorities in South Africa have launched a major manhunt to find the killers of the national football captain.

Police, forensic investigators and press work at the scene where Bafana Bafana captain Senzo Meyiwa was shot dead (AP Photo)

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

Police are offering a reward of $250,000 rand ($23,000 AUD) for information about the attack.

The 27-year-old was reportedly shot after men entered his girlfriend's house on Sunday night.

Police say Meyiwa was shot once in the upper body as he tried to fend off two intruders at the house in Vosloorus, south of Johannesburg. A third man remained outside.

The three men then fled on foot.

The footballer was declared dead by the time he arrived at hospital.

South African President Jacob Zuma has released a statement, saying: "We mourn the death of this young footballer and team leader whose life has been taken away at the prime of his career. Words cannot express the nation's shock at this loss."