Ladysmith Black Mambazo singer murdered

Ladysmith Black Mambazo singer Ben Shabalala has been murdered in South Africa, leaving his bandmates and family devastated.

The How Long? Star was shot and killed in the city of Durban in unknown circumstances. He was in his late 40s.

Shabalala joined the Grammy-winning folk outfit in 1979 but retired from music in 1993 to spend time with his wife and four children.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo frontman Joseph Shabalala, Ben's brother, has vowed to continue the group's current tour in honour of his late relative.

Distraught Joseph said: "Ben was not just my brother, but is a part of my history.

"He is a part of Ladysmith Black Mambazo's legacy. While his life has ended in this terrible way, his voice, his memory and his spirit will continue on with Ladysmith Black Mambazo."