Musician Killed By Robbers

Gunmen have shot dead one of southern Africa's most celebrated musicians in central Johannesburg in an apparent robbery.

Gito Baloi, 39, a bass guitarist and one-time member of the jazz group Tananas, was hit in the neck when two men fired three shots into his car early on Sunday.

Superintendent Chris Wilken said the musician was driving back from a gig in Pretoria and was dropping off a friend when the incident occurred. His car and musical equipment were untouched, but it is thought the gunmen took his wallet.

The murder will fuel anxiety about high crime rates which have been one of the key issues in the run-up to next week's general election.

Originally from Mozambique but resident in South Africa for many years, Baloi was known for an innovative style. After co-founding Tananas he released several solo albums and formed his own band in the late 1990s.